Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Answers on Diagnosing Mesothelioma.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the protective lining that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity, utilizes modern imaging techniques, as well as tissue biopsies. This cancer has been linked to asbestos exposure, but may take decades to develop after this exposure, complicating the process of diagnosis. Initially, symptoms may be mistaken for other illnesses, but the use of scans and biopsies can confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Imaging can reveal some signs of mesothelioma, but a biopsy must be performed to prove the existence of cancer.
X-rays are a useful way to determine whether fluid is accumulating in the cavity between the lung and the pleura, in a condition known as pleural effusion. Fluid buildup can be a sign of mesothelioma. The effusion is usually limited to one side of the body, and tumor masses can sometimes be viewed.
Computerized tomography, or CT scans, can reveal pleural effusions, as well as increased pleural thickness that may indicate tumors. It may be used to guide aspirations used for biopsies. It does not, however, distinguish between cancer and a related, but benign, asbestos disease.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is useful in determining the extent and disposition of tumors before treatment. They can detect inflamed lymph nodes, as well as visualize tumors in three dimensions, as opposed to many other two-dimensional scanning techniques that cannot.
Positron emission tomography, or PET scans, can visualize tumor locations and the thickening of the pleura. It provides a comprehensive tool for viewing the cancer, since PET scans can determine what stage the cancer has reached.
When the presence of abnormal tissue has been confirmed through one of these imaging techniques, a biopsy must be performed. It is often performed using a needle aspiration, and involves removing a piece of tissue to look at directly in order to determine the presence of cancerous cells. Biopsies may be performed during thoracoscopies or peritoneoscopies.
Thoracoscopy involves a minute cut made into the chest wall, through which a small camera is inserted between the ribs. This procedure can detect a pleural effusion, visualize pleura thickening, be used for biopsies, and can be used to insert a tube to drain built-up fluids.
Peritoneoscopies look into the abdomen for fluid buildup and abnormal tissue. Like a thoracoscopy, it uses a small cut through which a camera can be inserted. A needle may be inserted to collect biopsy samples or to drain fluid. This is a minimally invasive procedure, so often only a local anesthetic is needed to perform it.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, please contact us at the 800 number listed above in order to learn more about your legal rights in this situation. A recent mesothelioma diagnosis can be a traumatizing event, but with the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney, you do not have to go through this process on your own. Contact us today to learn how a mesothelioma lawyer can help you.
