Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009A Mesothelioma diagnosis is made by a doctor. Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the person affected and how severe the illness is. Symptoms can include having a hard time breathing and/or swallowing, a loss of appetite and chest pain, for example. If you believe you have Mesothelioma or if you were exposed to asbestos, it may be ideal to visit a doctor.
How a Mesothelioma Diagnosis is Determined
There are several methods doctors will use to make a Mesothelioma diagnosis. A physical exam is usually the first step, and the doctor will want to ask questions regarding your medical and family history. MRIs and CT Scans may be used, as they can possibly show the fluid collection between the lung and chest wall that sometimes appears as a result of Mesothelioma, thus giving the indication that a person has it. A tissue biopsy can also be used for a Mesothelioma diagnosis.
These are merely examples — you will want to ask your doctor how your Mesothelioma diagnosis was made. You may also want to ask your doctor about how accurate the method of making your diagnosis was, and if it wasn’t thought to be highly accurate, if there’s another type of test you could undergo. If you aren’t happy with your doctor’s response, you may consider getting a second opinion.
Treatment After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you were likely referred to an oncologist or Mesothelioma specialist doctor for treatment. Though there is no proven cure for Mesothelioma, treatment is available. Around the country, doctors are experimenting with different kinds of treatments, one of them being pneumonectomy. This involves the surgical removal of a lung as well as intensive chemotherapy. This treatment might extend the life of a person who has Mesothelioma.
Long-term survival of Mesothelioma is very rare, and victims have a life expectancy of less than two years from the onset of symptoms. Sadly, it’s not unusual for a person to die just months after a Mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you would like more information about Mesothelioma diagnosis and treatments, call 1-888-370-0121 to speak to a resource person.