Mesothelioma - Screening

Currently, no universally agreed protocol for screening asbestos-exposed individuals exist. However, some research have pointed out that the serum osteopontin level may be applicable in screening asbestos-exposed individuals for mesothelioma. The level of soluble mesothelin-related protein is increased in the serum of about 75% of patients at diagnosis for mesothelioma.
Moreover, it has been suggested that it may be applicable for screening mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma - Staging

If the cancer is discovered merely on the membrane surface where it started, mesothelioma is described as being localized.
If mesothelioma has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other various parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, chest wall, lungs or abdominal organ.

Tags: mesothelioma symptom, mesothelioma lawsuit, utube.com

Mesothelioma - Diagnosis

Because mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions, the mesothelioma diagnosis is often challenging. A review of the patient’s medical history marks the start of the mesothelioma diagnosis. Clinical suspicion for mesothelioma is increased if the individuala have a history of asbestos exposure. What follows is a physical examination, then a chest X-ray and frequently lung function tests. They are frequently observed after asbestos exposure and the X-ray may indicate pleural thickening. Thus, suspicion of mesothelioma is increased. A CT (or CAT)scan or an MRI is normally conducted. If a large amount of fluid is present, cytology can detect the abnormal cells if the fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid, this is conducted by a pleural tap or chest drain. Also in ascites, it is carried out with an paracentesis or ascitic drain. In a pericardial effusion, this is done with pericardiocentesis. The non-existence of malignant cells on cytology does not exclude mesothelioma; it makes it very unlikely, especially if another diagnosis can be conducted ( for example: heart failure, tuberculosis)

A biopsy is required to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis if cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious. A physician removes a tissue sample for a microscopic examination by a pathologist. A biopsy may be carried out in various ways, depending on where the abnormal area is identified. If the cancer is discovered in the chest, the physician may perform a thoracoscopy. For this method, the physician makes a minor cut through the chest wall and inserts a thin lit tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy permits the physician to view inside the chest and get tissue samples.

The physician may conduct a laparoscopy if the cancer is discovered in the abdomen. Then the physician makes a minor opening in the abdomen and puts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity to get tissue for examination. If these methods fail to provide sufficient tissue, additional extensive diagnostic surgery may be required.

Tags: utube.com, mesothelioma lawsuit, mesothelioma treatment