MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-11-21 23:40:26
The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath chest hurt and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion (discussed below). The alter lung is affected 60% of the time with involvement of both lungs being seen in approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include hurt or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid nausea weight loss bowel obstruction anemia or swelling of the feet.
One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion or an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura (the pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which under normal conditions produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a fit. When too much fluid forms the result is an effusion. Types
Pleural effusion is broken down into two categories transudates and exudates. A transudate is a clear fluid that forms not because the pleural surfaces are diseased but because of an imbalance between the normal production and removal of the fluid. The most common cause of transudative fluid is congestive heart failure. An exudate which is often cloudy and contains many cells and proteins results from disease of the pleura itself and is common to mesothelioma. To cause whether a fluid is a transudate or egest a diagnostic thoracentesis in which a needle or catheter is used to obtain a fluid consume may be conducted. Symptoms
As the volume of fluid increases shortness of breath known as “dyspnea” and sometimes pain ranging from mild to stabbing may occur. Some patients may undergo a dry cough. When the doctor listens to the patient’s chest with a stethoscope normal breath sounds are muted and tapping on the chest will show dull rather than remove sounds. Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pleural effusion is usually accomplished with a simple chest x-ray although CT scans or ultrasound may also be used. A special x-ray technique called a lateral decubitus film may be used to detect smaller effusions or to enable the physician to calculate of the be of fluid present. If the underlying cause of the effusion is readily apparent (such as in the inspect of severe congestive heart failure) sampling of the fluid may not be necessary however because pleural effusion may be symptomatic of a be of disease processes from benign to malignant a fluid sample is generally taken. Diagnostic thoracentesis in which cells are extracted from the pleural cavity is commonly done when the possibility of mesothelioma exists however in up to 85% of cases the fluid tests negative or inconclusive even though cancer is present. It is ultimately a beset biopsy of the pleura (lining of the lung) or an open surgical biopsy which confirms a mesothelioma diagnosis. Treatment
Pleural effusion caused by heart failure or infection can usually be resolved by directing treatment at the cause however when testing has realized no diagnosis and fluid continues to build or recur doctors may recommend chest furnish drainage and chemical pleurodesis. Chemical pleurodesis is a technique in which a sclerosing agent is used to abrade the pleural surfaces producing an adhesion between the parietal and visceral pleurae. This will prevent advance effusion by eliminating the pleural space. Talc appears to be the most effective agent for pleurodesis with a success rate of nearly 95%. It is highly effective when administered by either poudrage or slurry. Poudrage is the most widely used method of instilling powder into the pleural space. Before spraying the talc the medical team removes all pleural fluid to completely collapse the lung. After the talc is administered they inspect the pleural cavity to be sure the talc has been evenly distributed over the pleural ascend. Some doctors like to use talc mixed with saline solution which forms a wet slurry that can turn around the pleural cavity. [ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://www.busquelcd.com/2007/11/21/mesothelioma-symptoms/
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