Biomarkers for early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma
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| Mesothelioma Early Detection |
Malignant Mesothelioma Early Detection
Mesothelioma is uncommon, and there are no widely recommended screening tests for this cancer in people who are not at increased risk. (Screening is testing for cancer in people who don't have any symptoms.)
For people with known exposure to asbestos, some doctors recommend imaging tests such as chest x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to look for changes in the lungs that might be signs of mesothelioma or lung cancer. But it is not clear how useful these tests are in finding mesotheliomas early.
| treatment options for mesothelioma |
In recent years, doctors have found that people with mesothelioma often have high levels of certain substances in their blood, including osteopontin and soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs). Blood tests for these substances may one day be useful in finding mesotheliomas early, as well as for monitoring the course of the disease in people who have mesothelioma.
Read Also : treatment for pleural mesotheliomaMost mesotheliomas are found when a person goes to a doctor because of symptoms.People who have been exposed to asbestos should know the possible signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. Many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than mesothelioma, but it’s important to report any new symptoms to your doctor right away so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
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| Mesothelioma Detection |
Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are more likely to be caused by other conditions, so at first people may ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for at least a few months before they are diagnosed.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the chest) can include:
- Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
- Shortness of breath
- Cough and Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and arms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
These symptoms can be caused by mesothelioma, but more often they are caused by other conditions. Still, if you have any of these problems (especially if you have been exposed to asbestos), it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if eeded.