How To Recognize Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.  The disease takes its name from the mesothelium, which is the lining that covers most of the internal organs in the body.  This form of cancer occurs when the mesothelium develops malignant cells, usually in the outer lining of the internal chest wall and the lungs, known as the pleura.  Although difficult to diagnose, due to its similarities with other conditions, it is possible to differentiate mesothelioma from other forms of cancer by taking these factors into consideration.

1. Work history. One major red flag in recognizing mesothelioma cancer is if there has been an exposure to asbestos in the past.  Asbestos is usually, although not always, the main cause of mesothelioma.  The asbestos can be inhaled or swallowed and enter the mesothelium, causing cell damage and other forms of cancer. The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear decades after asbestos exposure.
2. Symptoms.  There are many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (the most common of the mesotheliomas) including shortness of breath due to the fluid inside the lungs, weight loss, persistent coughing, and chest pain.  Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and anemia.  These symptoms, of course, can be due to other causes so it is important to rule out any alternative conditions.
3. X-ray evidence. X-rays which include thickening of the pleura can indicate previous asbestos exposure and therefore mesothelioma.  Chest x-rays can also rule out other respiratory problems that may be causing the same symptoms as mesothelioma.
4. CT scans or MRIs. These tests can indicate the presence of an abnormally large amount of fluid, which can be a sign of this type of cancer.
5. Cytology.  Excess fluid can either be aspirated or collected by a chest drain or pleural tap.  Cytology can then detect whether there are any malignant cells - a sign of mesothelioma.
6. Ruling out alternative diagnoses.  Some of the symptoms of mesothelioma can be caused by other conditions, such as heart failure, viral pneumonia, or tuberculosis.  Doctors can get closer to a diagnosis by ruling out alternative conditions. 
7. A biopsy of the mesothelium.  If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, he or she can biopsy the tissue, possibly through thorocoscopy, or a small cut in the chest with a lighted tube inserted.

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, it can be treated.  Like many diseases, mesothelioma can be treated more effectively if it is caught early.  Only a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis.