Mesothelioma Diagnosis | Methods of Testing for Mesothelioma

Diagnosis Mesothelioma

Like all forms of cancer, mesothelioma needs to be diagnosed as early as possible in order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. Unfortunately, many people with this disease face a number of obstacles on their way to diagnosis. One problem is the long latent period of mesothelioma; Can develop for years or decades before a sudden onset of symptoms. There is also the medical challenge of distinguishing between mesothelioma and other diseases with similar symptoms.

The good news is that researchers are working every day to develop more efficient and reliable methods for diagnosing mesothelioma. If your doctor suspects that you may be suffering from peritoneal, pleural or pericardial mesothelioma, he or she may be able to recommend some or all of the tests described in the section below. If you have a history of exposure to asbestos, it is vital that you tell him or her about this fact.

Methods of Testing for Mesothelioma

It has often been said that diagnosing mesothelioma is more like an art than a science. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors usually need to have a series of medical tests, each providing a different piece of the puzzle. This is especially true for complex diseases such as cancer, including mesothelioma.

Blood tests: Blood tests are a relatively new way to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors have found that cases of mesothelioma cause unique proteins, known as molecular markers, to enter the bloodstream. These markers can be used to diagnose mesothelioma and track your progress.

• X-Rays: Diagnosing a tumor of almost any type usually involves a series of X-rays. These let doctors evaluate your chest or abdomen to see if a mass has begun to grow. X-rays are usually only preliminary examinations, requiring more complex examination methods to follow.
• CT: Computerized axial tomography (CT) is similar to an X-ray, but generates a more detailed image in three dimensions. A CT scan can be used initially to find cancerous growth, or to monitor a patient about the course of their treatment.
• PET: Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that involves injecting a slightly radioactive tracer into the bloodstream. This tracer is monitored as it moves through the body, allowing doctors to observe internal functions. For mesothelioma patients, this process is often used to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a very common procedure in the diagnosis of cancer. It involves removing a portion of the body growth so that the tissue can be examined closely. This procedure is used to determine if the masses in the body are cancerous or have other causes.
• New Techniques: Mesothelioma diagnosis methods are constantly updated and refined. New methods for conducting blood tests, biopsies, and other procedures are letting doctors have more reliable and faster results.

If your doctor has recommended mesothelioma screenings, do not panic. Most of these tests are completely painless or have only minimal discomfort. If you are worried about the side effects of a certain procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize them.