Mesothelioma Detection

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. A patient is commonly diagnosed with the cancer 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurs since it may take decades for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of the disease. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can be difficult to treat and early mesothelioma detection can greatly help a patient’s prognosis.

Mesothelioma Early Symptoms

Understanding mesothelioma symptoms may aid in early mesothelioma detection since a doctor should be contacted immediately at the first sign of any unusual developments. Many mesothelioma patients and their doctors are initially unaware of the severity of their condition as symptoms often resemble other common illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia.

Though there are four different types of mesothelioma, the most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Several symptoms demonstrated by pleural mesothelioma patients include persistent cough, difficulty breathing and swallowing, chest pain and fatigue.

Understanding that asbestos exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma, and informing a doctor of asbestos exposure during a visit following unusual symptoms, can alert a doctor to the possibility of mesothelioma, aiding in early mesothelioma detection.

Mesothelioma Early Detection

Once a doctor suspects the possibility of mesothelioma, the diagnostic process begins. Initially a complete medical history of the patient is reviewed and a doctor will take note of symptoms expressed. Mentioning past exposure to asbestos can be very helpful since a doctor may then take asbestos-related diseases into consideration.

A physical examination will follow and a doctor will typically recommend further testing. An X-ray is a crucial part of the diagnostic process and is then conducted to indicate the tumor’s location and determine whether or not it had spread to other areas of the body.

Imaging tests such as a, CT scan, PET scan or MRI scan will often be conducted to provide more detailed information about the developmental level and progression of the cancer. In a CT scan, a series of x-ray images are taken to see a three-dimensional image of the inside of the body. During a PET scan, a patient’s body is scanned searching for the presence of previously injected radioactive glucose, which is absorbed and used by cancerous cells more quickly than healthy cells. An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field to produce an image that a radiologist will view to determine whether or not something in the body appears abnormal.   

A biopsy, also known as a fluid and tissue test, may also be requested to collect a sample of fluid to test for cancerous cells. Several types of biopsies exist in the mesothelioma diagnostic process. An excisional biopsy is performed to remove a significant portion of the sensitive lining around major organs. This is a long surgery and the lining is removed and tested after one procedure. Doctors do not remove a small portion to test, only to have to perform another procedure to remove infected areas should cancer be present, but rather remove the entire effected area at once.

A needle aspiration biopsy is a quick procedure that utilized a long, hollow needle to remove a sample of cells to test for the presence of mesothelioma. Cells are tested by a pathologist who specializes in disease diagnosis.

Thoracoscopy is a procedure performed when pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected and involves a small incision in the chest wall. A sample of tissue is removed and tested for cancerous cells. Bronchoscopy and laparoscopy are similar to the thoracoscopy surgery but the bronchoscopy procedure is used to view the trachea whereas laparoscopy removes cells in the peritoneal tissue. Mediastinoscopy is performed to see if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest and neck.

Another test available to help with early mesothelioma detection is the miRview™ meso test. This test is the first molecular test that can accurately differentiate malignant pleural mesothelioma from other cancers involving the lungs and pleura using microRNAs.

The oncologist, a doctor specialized in cancer and cancer treatment, will then help detail treatment options for the mesothelioma patient and answer questions patients and their loved ones often have. Questions may also be answered though the complimentary packet offered by Asbestos.com. Click here to receive your comprehensive copy with information about mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment options and top doctors.