How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most often obtained with careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings in addition to a confirming tissue biopsy. (Learn about typical mesothelioma symptoms. A review of the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A CT scan or MRI may also be done at this time. If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm this diagnosis.
Imaging Techniques and Their Value in Diagnosing and Assessing Mesothelioma
There are several imaging techniques which may prove useful when mesothelioma is suspected due to the presence of pleural effusion combined with a history of occupational or secondary asbestos exposure. While these imaging techniques can be valuable in assessing the possibility of the cancer, definitive diagnosis is still most often established through fluid diagnosis or tissue biopsy.
Some of the most commonly used imaging methods include:
• X-ray
A chest x-ray can reveal pleural effusion (fluid build-up) which is confined to either the right (60%) or left (40%) lung. On occasion, a mass may be seen. Signs of prior non-cancerous asbestos disease, such as pleural plaques or pleural calcification, or scarring due to asbestosis may also be noted.
• Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans are also able to define pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible chest wall invasion. CT, however, is not able to differentiate between changes associated with benign asbestos disease (pleural disease), or differentiate between adenocarcinoma of the lung which may have spread to the pleura verses mesothelioma. CT scans may also be valuable in guiding fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI scans are most often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. Because they provide images in multiple planes, they are better able to identify tumors as opposed to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT scans in assessing enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes (those lymph nodes which lie between the two lungs), as well as a clear diaphragmatic surface, both of which play an important role in surgical candidacy.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET imaging is now becoming an important part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. While PET scans are more expensive than other types of imaging, and are not always covered under insurance, they are now considered to be the most diagnostic of tumor sites, as well as the most superior in determining the staging of mesothelioma. Further explanation of PET scans.
• CT/PET
For patients who may be candidates for aggressive multimodality treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation), accurate clinical staging is extremely important. Integrated CT/PET imaging provides a relatively new tool in this respect, and has become the imaging technique of choice for determining surgical eligibility. By combining the benefits of CT and PET (anatomic and metabolic information) into a single scan, this technology can more accurately determine the stage of the cancer, and can help identify the best treatment option for the patient.
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Mesothelioma patients and their families deserve support, information, and understanding. We created the Mesothelioma Network with these needs in mind. We also hope to educate the public about mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.
This web site contains detailed information about mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma treatment, clinical trials, and medical breakthroughs. You will also find useful resources such as lists of physicians and medical centers that treat mesothelioma. Because we understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis may be devastating to you and your loved ones, we have included coping suggestions and information about support groups.
Our news section can help you keep up with the fight against asbestos on the job and in the environment as well as provide the latest medical updates. Should you have any questions about the legal aspects of your mesothelioma diagnosis, please feel free to contact us. We have been handling mesothelioma cases for over 20 years, and have an excellent record of verdicts and settlements. For more information, see Our Mesothelioma Lawyers.
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are very tiny and may be inhaled if they become airborne. Once you inhale asbestos fibers, they can remain trapped in your lungs. They may also be distributed throughout your body to the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs), to other body organs, or to your lymph nodes.
Inhaling asbestos irritates your system and may eventually lead to asbestos diseases such as asbestosis and asbestos pleural disease as well as to mesothelioma. You can also unknowingly swallow asbestos particles, a process that some associate with peritoneal (stomach) mesothelioma.
Period Between Asbestos Exposure and Development of Mesothelioma
The time period between your first exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma symptoms, called the latency period, may be 40 years or more. The risk of developing asbestos disease does not disappear because the asbestos fibers may remain trapped in the lungs or the lung cavity for life. Also, there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure; even minimal levels may cause disease.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Among Workers
Workers in the building, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, and automotive industries who have been exposed to asbestos are at particularly high risk for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure at any level increases a person’s chance of contracting mesothelioma. Even family members of workers exposed to asbestos face an increased susceptibility to the disease due to contact with asbestos dust brought into the home on the workers’ shoes, clothing, skin, or hair.
In the past, asbestos exposure occurred mostly in an occupational setting where asbestos was used in a variety of products and applications. Today, potential asbestos exposure occurs in other locations as well, most often in schools, homes and public buildings where asbestos products have fallen into disrepair or become damaged.
If you believe that you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, it is important to learn more about the symptoms and diagnosis of mesothelioma. Also see our sister site, Asbestos Network for background and details about asbestos. Please feel free to contact us through this web site or at our offices with any questions about asbestos exposure and your legal options.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura), or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum).
What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma?
The only known cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings to workers exposed to asbestos were given in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.
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