Mesothelioma - What tests are used to diagnose It

Mesothelioma - What tests are used to diagnose It

 

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is closely related to exposure to asbestos?. It can take up to 40 years from the time of exposure for the cancer to manifest. Given this long period, so tests are used to diagnose? A common test used in cases of cancer is a blood test. The blood was examined something known as biomarkers.Some biomarkers are indicative of certain cancers. For example, the CA 15-3 is a biomarker that indicates breast cancer in women. Unfortunately there is no known biomarker at this point in time for mesothelioma. In fact, blood tests do not provide any information to the doctor about whether a patient has this form of cancer.A chest radiograph is really the first line of attack against mesothelioma when it comes to diagnostic tests. These X-rays are not particularly sensitive, but present an overview of the chest.This means that the radiologist and the doctor can identify tumors, scaring and fluid accumulation zones.All are potentially problematic, especially tumors that may be benign or can metastasize and spread.Assuming the doctor sees something of interest or concern, he or she may order a next scan. CAT stands for computed tomography and essentially means a three-dimensional view of the area in question.The TAC can better define the shape, size and characteristics of a mass. That said, this exploration can not tell the doctor if the mass is mesothelioma or not. They can, however, be very useful in determining if the problem is in an early or late stage.MRIs are used in many medical practices as diagnostic tools. The trend of mesothelioma cases is to give up MRIs to PET. PET is a test that shows the use of glucose. Cancerous tumors, especially mesothelioma, tend to use more glucose than medical supplies. A PET scan can reveal this and help get to the root of the problem, namely, does cancer or not.It is important to understand that none of these diagnostic tools will be absolutely you and your doctor whether mesothelioma. They will simply reduce the chances. Ultimately, any mass that is going to have a biopsy. This involves the actual removal of some of the cells of the body so that they can be examined under a microscope. Only then we will know one way or another