MESOTHELIOMA
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because
the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions.
Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history,
including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical
examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest
or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an
MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures
of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an
x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer
is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.
A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who
specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample
of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.
A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the
abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the
doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor
makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted
tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs.
Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and
obtain tissue samples.
If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform
a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination,
the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts
a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal
cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more
extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will
want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease.
Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out
whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of
the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor
plan treatment.
Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer
is found only on the membrane surface where it originated.
It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original
membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph
nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know is suffering from lung cancer and/or
lung disease asbestosis, mesothelioma or other asbestos related
diseases caused by asbestos or asbestos containing products,
you may be eligible to file a claim.
CLICK
HERE TO CONTACT THE TOXIC INJURY LAWYERS NOW FOR A FREE CASE
EVALUATION, OR CALL US AT (732) 855-6182.
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