How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Introduction
According to the American Cancer Society, between 2,000 and 3,000 patients are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by the inhaling of asbestos particles. Beginning in the late 60s and early 70s, asbestos became a popular home building material because of its fireproofing ability. Unfortunately, a few decades later asbestos was discovered to be a highly carcinogenic (cancer causing) substance.
Asbestos is now highly regulated, and exposure is limited to decrease the chance of cancer developing. Mesothelioma diagnosis is rare, but continues to increase as time passes. This is because mesothelioma has a long gestation rate. Many workers and homeowners who were exposed to asbestos do not show signs of mesothelioma until 30 to 40 years after exposure. Many medical professionals feel that over the next few decades mesothelioma diagnosis will increase dramatically.
X-Ray
X-rays are one of the first methods of mesothelioma diagnosis. An x-ray can take a picture of the chest cavity to look for unexplained phenomena in the lungs. This method is accurate for diagnosing the pleural form of mesothelioma by showing any growing masses, or pleural plaque and calcification due to the cancer.
Scans
There are many different types of scans available for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The most commonly used are the CT (Computed Tomography ) scan, and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan. The CT scan allows a medical professional to search for pleural problems in the lungs associated with mesothelioma, such as pleural calcification, thickening of fissures and chest wall invasions. A PET scan allows the medical professionals an even more enhanced picture of the tumor site, and is more helpful than any other scan in determining the staging of treatment. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans may also be used to locate mesothelioma-related tumors.
Scopy
Once imaging has confirmed a problem, the doctor will take a better look at the tumor for final diagnosis. This is done through either thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy. Thoracoscopy is done by cutting a small incision in the chest and inserting an instrument called a thorascoscope. This instrument allows the doctors to look inside the chest cavity at the area of concern. A peritoneoscopy is done the same way but uses a special instrument called a peritoneoscope instead to view the area of concern.
Biopsy
If cancerous tissue is confirmed during scoping, a biopsy will be done on the area. The biopsy can be either a needle biopsy, or a pleural biopsy. In a needle biopsy the fluid surrounding the tumor is extracted by a needle and examined for diagnosis. In a pleural biopsy, an actual piece of the mass itself is removed from the body to be tested for diagnosis.
Tags: allows medical, area concern, chest cavity, instrument called, medical professionals, Mesothelioma Diagnosed, mesothelioma diagnosis