Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that's associated with having lived or worked in or around environments where asbestos exposure is a risk. The symptoms by which your doctor can diagnose mesothelioma--and tell it apart from other types of cancer--can be many and varied and can cause confusion even among experts.
One common symptom is pleural effusion (fluid collecting in the lungs). A less common sign can be abdominal ascites,which is an abnormal retention of abdominal fluid. In one case doctors had a hard time correctly diagnosing a woman who had recurring abdominal ascites. They found that a special type of cell, called "signet-ring cell" was present in both adenocarcinoma (another type of cancer) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma.
In another case a man came to doctors complaining of low back pain. Doctors performed a bone scan and then a specialized PET scan before they could diagnose his malignant pleural mesothelioma. They concluded that in order not to miss the signs of mesothelioma, special care must be taken when reading bone scans and other tests.
Given that even experienced physicians may have trouble correctly diagnosing this dread disease, it becomes even more critical to monitor your health carefully if you've ever had even a possible exposure to asbestos. If you believe you may have been or even now may be coming in contact with this dangerous substance--at work, in your home in crumbling insulation or other building materials, or anywhere--be sure to find a doctor who understands the risks of asbestos exposure.
Visit www.mesothelioma-advice.org for information on finding practitioners who are medical experts on this disease.
One common symptom is pleural effusion (fluid collecting in the lungs). A less common sign can be abdominal ascites,which is an abnormal retention of abdominal fluid. In one case doctors had a hard time correctly diagnosing a woman who had recurring abdominal ascites. They found that a special type of cell, called "signet-ring cell" was present in both adenocarcinoma (another type of cancer) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma.
In another case a man came to doctors complaining of low back pain. Doctors performed a bone scan and then a specialized PET scan before they could diagnose his malignant pleural mesothelioma. They concluded that in order not to miss the signs of mesothelioma, special care must be taken when reading bone scans and other tests.
Given that even experienced physicians may have trouble correctly diagnosing this dread disease, it becomes even more critical to monitor your health carefully if you've ever had even a possible exposure to asbestos. If you believe you may have been or even now may be coming in contact with this dangerous substance--at work, in your home in crumbling insulation or other building materials, or anywhere--be sure to find a doctor who understands the risks of asbestos exposure.
Visit www.mesothelioma-advice.org for information on finding practitioners who are medical experts on this disease.
Powered by Compendium Blogware
Comments for Ascites and Back Pain Can Be Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma