Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms can vary depending on which organ is involved but can include:

Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Pain under the rib cage
Weight loss
Abdominal pain and swelling
Fever
Anemia
Problems with blood clotting

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Complete physical exam, including lung function tests, lung X-ray, blood tests
CT (CAT) scan or MRI, which give detailed pictures of tissues and organs inside the body
Biopsy—surgery to remove a tissue sample that is studied by a specialist (pathologist)

How is Mesothelioma Treated?
Like most cancers, treatment can vary depending on what stage the cancer is in (how far it has progressed) and where it is located, as well as the patient's overall health and age. Treatment can include:

Surgery to remove tumors
Radiation
Chemotherapy
A combination of the above
Removal of fluid build-up from the chest or abdomen (to relieve pain and other symptoms)

Researchers are testing new treatments for mesothelioma. Some treatments are in the final stage of research—clinical trials. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, ask your doctor about clinical trials taking place near you, or contact the National Cancer Institute.

Mesothelioma

Also called: Malignant mesothelioma

The tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart and other organs is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is cancer of that tissue. It is a rare but serious type of cancer. It usually starts in the lungs, but can also start in the abdomen or other organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. It can take a long time - 30 to 50 years - between being around asbestos and getting the disease. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or all three.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

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Mesothelioma: MedlinePlus: - Enviado mediante la barra Google