Detecting and Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Article by Michael Enfield
Mesothelioma is a deadly, aggressive cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It attacks the mesothelium, which is a special layer of cells that forms a membrane over your internal organs and lines the inside of your body cavities. This cancer can form in the lungs, heart, abdomen, and testes, and it exhibits symptoms that are similar to many other disorders that affect these areas. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult for doctors to detect and diagnose mesothelioma.
In the diagnostic process, you will probably first talk to your doctor about symptoms that you are having. Frustratingly, the symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for many years and even decades after asbestos exposure. Thus, you may not realize the potential danger of these symptoms. Your doctor may decide to have blood work done to look for anything that may signify the presence of disease, such as elevated white blood cell counts.
If the blood work comes back with signs of trouble, or if the doctor palpates your body and finds a mass, you may then have to undergo imaging to get a better idea of the location of the tumors. You can have x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI scans done to get a clearer picture of the mass.
Next, surgeons can use this information to perform a biopsy. Based on the location of the tumor, there are different ways that a surgeon can take tissue samples in order to biopsy it. Some may simply require a scope or some local anesthetic, while others may require full surgery.
Once they obtain the sample, doctors will view the tissue under a microscope to see if the cells exhibit signs of cancer. This can also help them determine the type of cancer, such as epithelioid versus sarcomatoid.
Lastly, if they suspect mesothelioma, doctors will question you extensively about your past exposure to asbestos. Further tests can help them make a complete diagnosis, and then they can determine the stage based on the spread of tumors. From here, it is important to make a treatment plan to help you manage your cancer.
A cancer diagnosis can come as a shock. It is especially frightening if you do not fully understand the type of cancer you are facing. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please visit the informative Mesothelioma Help Center today.
About the Author
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause many different health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. For more information regarding these health concerns, visit the Asbestos & Mesothelioma Help Center today.