Hello
friend
Every time I look for more information on this
topic, find articles of great value and today I share you how this disease is
diagnosed, I hope you enjoy and can make the best of this report.
Initial Stages of
Diagnosis
Studies show that mesothelioma patients are
typically diagnosed within three to six months of their first visit to a doctor
with complaints about breathing problems and chest pain. The first step
involved in diagnosis is providing a full and accurate medical history to your
doctor, including details about current and past health concerns and the types of
symptoms you are currently experiencing. A mention of any exposure to asbestos is
essential. Without revealing this fact, your doctor may not consider
asbestosrelated diseases in his/her diagnosis.
Next, patients will undergo a physical
examination, where a doctor will examine causes for any types of symptoms you
may be displaying. Most likely, his next step will be to recommend further
testing.
Diagnostic Tests
If your doctor suspects an asbestos-related
disease, the next step in diagnosis will be tests to confirm the presence of
mesothelioma; determine the location, size, and type of cancer involved; and
determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This will
often involve imaging tests such as:
Chest X-ray: This is the most commonly used
imaging test for the diagnosis of mesothelioma — almost all diagnoses will
involve an X-ray, but a more sophisticated test may follow.
CT Scan: An X-ray-like procedure in which
several pictures are taken and combined via computer to produce a detailed
image of body tissues. If you undergo a CT scan, you may be given an
intravenous injection of dye that helps produce more detailed images.
PET Scan: Glucose solution is administered
via intravenous injection, and a scanner is used to spot deposits of cancer
cells. Malignant cells take up and use sugars more quickly than normal cells,
so they can be easily distinguished using this procedure.
MRI Scan: A combination of radio waves and a
strong magnetic field is used to create detailed threedimensional images that
can be carefully examined by a radiologist.
Fluid and Tissue
Tests
These tests, also known as biopsy tests,
involve collecting small samples of fluid or tissue and checking them for the
presence of cancer cells. Such tests include:
Fine Needle
Aspiration: Mesothelioma
cancers cause fluid to build up in affected locations, such as in the pleural
membranes of the lungs. During a fine needle aspiration, your doctor will
remove a fluid sample using a very long, thin, and hollow needle.
Thoracoscopy: Thoracoscopy is used in cases where
pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected. During this procedure, a very
small incision is made in the chest wall, through which a sample of tissue is
removed.
Bronchoscopy and
Laparoscopy: These
procedures are similar to the thoracoscopy, but are performed on different
parts of the body. The bronchoscopy is used to view the trachea and airway,
whiles the laparoscopy is used to remove samples of peritoneal tissue.
Mediastinoscopy: This procedure is used to view
lymph nodes in the chest and neck, to determine if cancer has spread from its
point of origin.
After Diagnosis
If you are indeed diagnosed with mesothelioma,
your doctor will recommend an oncologist who is well-versed in treating the
disease. This cancer specialist will meet with you to determine your options
for treatment.
I hope you enjoyed this article, I also recommend that if you need more information about this disease do not hesitate to contact The Mesothelioma Cancer Center at the telephone line 1-800-590-6512
God Bless
JARAMILLO JOHNY
