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Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is one cancer whose diagnosis is very difficult. The very cause of the disease is the reason for this difficulty. Mesothelioma is caused by the exposure of the individual to a mineral called asbestos. Once these asbestos fibers find their way into the human body it becomes very difficult to dislodge them. In addition to that these asbestos fibers have a very long latency period. They remain dormant within the human body for a long time without showing any sign of their presence. The symptoms of mesothelioma are also very much similar to those of other more commonly occurring diseases. As a result it becomes difficult for the physician to diagnose the symptoms as those of mesothelioma.
Some of the tests that are performed on the patient to verify the presence of mesothelioma are X-rays, CTscan, and MRI.
X-rays: The test of X-rays is quite helpful in determining the degree to which the fluid has built up in the membrane. They are also quite helpful in determining the thickening of the membrane.
CTscan: The test of CTscan is performed by the radiologist in order to check the extent to which the cancer has spread in the region. It also gives him a clearer and a broader view of the region that is afflicted with this disease.
MRI: In comparison with x-rays this test is a better option as it gives a better understanding of the afflicted region. It also helps in having a better knowledge of the spread of the cancer in the region.
The test of biopsy is performed in order to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the mesothelium. In this test some amount of fluid is withdrawn from the afflicted region and this fluid is tested for the presence of cancerous cells in the region. The biopsy is performed once all the other tests have been thoroughly completed.
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