Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that where malignant (cancerous) cells are
found in the mesothelium, the protective sac that surrounds most of the
internal organs in the human body. Almost all cases of mesothelioma occur with individuals
who have worked with asbestos, or who have worked or lived in or around
environments containing asbestos. In rare cases, family members who take care
of the clothing of an individual who works in around asbestos can also be at
risk for mesothelioma, as they can inhale asbestos fibers that come off of the
clothing.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure
to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation
of fluid in the pleural cavity (the area of space between the lungs and the
chest wall) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal pain, and swelling due to a buildup
of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include
bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the
cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms
may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck and/or face.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Due to the fact that the symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those
of other conditions, it is often difficult to diagnose the disease. A complete
medical history is the first step in diagnosing the disease, with past exposure
to asbestos being key in aiding in diagnosis. Tests of lung function, chest
x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs likely will also be conducted. A biopsy, the
procedure where a surgeon or oncologist (a doctor who specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer) takes a tissue sample to be examined by a
pathologist, will be conducted to determine whether or not mesothelioma is
present. If a biopsy does not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic
surgery may be necessary.
If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage of
the disease. Determining the stage of the disease involves more tests in a
careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which
parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan
treatment. It would be described as localized if the cancer is found only on
the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it
has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body,
such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.