There have been many questions raised about mesothelioma and how to distinguish a diagnosis of mesothelioma from a diagnosis of lung cancer, the physical symptoms of two cancers may, on the surface, appear to be quite similar. If you have been extensively exposed to asbestos in the air or living with someone who works with asbestos materials, you may be at risk for mesothelioma, and mesothelioma screening could be useful to have if you show symptoms such as pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, swelling or lumps in the abdomen, or unexplained weight loss.
According to WebMD, there are several projections available to test for mesothelioma. As with all appointments, a patient's medical history is done with a physical exam. Chest X-rays are taken to see the condition of the lungs, organs and bones in the chest area. Blood tests are ordered for a complete blood count. laboratory controls for this white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet counts, and hemoglobin and proteins in the blood. There is also a sedimentation test performed on the drawn blood, which checks the presence of the rate at which red blood cells separate and settle at the bottom of a test tube. These are fairly non-invasive projections, but there is more to the projection.
In many cases, a biopsy is performed where they remove the tissue of the pleura, peritoneum (the linings of organs), lungs or abdomen to see under a microscope. There are several methods of performing a biopsy. Tissue can be recovered using the most suitable of those methods. It is fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a needle mechanism and the long, thin imaging to allow the doctor to draw fluid from abnormal areas on the lungs. Thoracoscopy with an apparatus similar to a thin tube is inserted, which contains a light and a lens to view the inside of the trunk. Laparoscopy uses a similar instrument to thoracoscopy, but peritoneoscopy is used to view the abdomen. Laparotomy and thoracotomy involve the cutting of the wall of the abdomen and thorax (respectively) and control of the disease. With bronchoscopy, an apparatus similar to a thin tube with a light and lens is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. This tool can also be used for taking tissue samples.
After a tissue sample is collected, it is sent for cytological examination of a pathologist will check for abnormalities. Ultimately, it is the biopsy and cytology which will give the final decision if the mesothelioma cancer is found. Learn the steps and terminology of an asbestos cancer screening can take a lot of the fear of your doctor visit. Take time to do your own research in mesothelioma diagnosis, screening and treatment.
