Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis of any form of mesothelioma is difficult.
Since one need not be exposed to large amounts of asbestos
to develop the disease decades later, many don’t
know they were ever at risk. Even if one is aware of
their own history of asbestos exposure and the dangers
involved, the long latency period of mesothelioma, coupled
with the fact that most symptoms of the disease are similar
to those of other diseases, make a positive diagnosis
difficult.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosis and the rarity
of mesothelioma, accurately detecting the disease is
possible through a variety of tests.
If you have experienced any of the symptoms of peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma,
it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to
begin preliminary testing and examinations.
Typically your doctor will first determine abnormalities
by performing a physical examination, examining medical
history, and learning if you have a history of asbestos
exposure. It’s important to note that a doctor
may not initially suspect mesothelioma, as it is a very
rare disease. If you have a history of potential asbestos
exposure, it is helpful to inform your physician.
The first step in mesothelioma diagnosis will involve
your doctor listening to your breathing to determine
if there are any abnormalities. He or she will also look
for any swelling or lumps on the chest or stomach area.
Further testing will be performed if it is determined
that you are experiencing breathing difficulties, shortness
of breath, or chest pain.
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Testing for Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Doctors can easily misdiagnose mesothelioma due to the
similarity of mesothelioma symptoms to those of other
ailments. Initially, chest problems and a severe cough
from pleural mesothelioma may be diagnosed as pneumonia
or lung cancer.
Various tests are used to determine whether you have
pneumonia, lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, or
something else. Doctors first perform imaging tests like
X-rays to detect mesothelioma. Then they use tissue samples
to confirm its presence. The following tests are used
to detect mesothelioma:
Chest X-ray: This method reveals abnormal
fluid and thickening of protective tissue outside the
lungs.
Computed Tomograph: The CT scan is
an X-ray that produces a more detailed and accurate image
of the affected area. Traditional X-ray machines snap
one photo at one angle. The CT camera rotates around
patients, capturing all angles. Then a computer combines
all photos and renders them into a single 3D image.
This ensures a thorough scan, allowing doctors to make
an initial mesothelioma diagnosis and determine how far
it has spread.
Positron Emission Tomography: In the
PET scan, a radioactive sugar solution is injected into
the bloodstream. Cancer cells consume sugar faster than
normal cells. As a result, the cancer tissue will glow
brighter than healthy tissue in PET scan results. This
test can determine if thickening tissue is cancer or
scar tissue. It also determines if cancer is spreading.
Magnetic resonance imaging: The MRI
scan shoots radio waves at the body. The body absorbs
and then releases the energy. A computer captures these
released waves. Then it translates them into a 3D-like
image, similar to the CT scan.
Fluid sample: Fluid is tapped from
either the belly or the chest with a syringe. A pathologist
then tests the fluid for cancer.
Tissue sample procedures: Doctors make
a tiny incision in the chest or stomach. Then they insert
a telescope-type device with a video camera. This enables
doctors to see the tumor and remove a tissue sample.
This tissue is then tested for cancer.
Further testing may be performed to see if mesothelioma
has spread to other parts of the body such as the heart
and lymphatic system.
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