Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma has raised its ugly heads in New York. People are becoming aware of the disease, its symptoms and causes along with the possible courses of treatment. However, the long latent period of the disease and ordinary symptoms make the diagnosis an extremely difficult task.
A physical examination starts with a discussion about the workplace history with the physician. A doctor would try to detect Mesothelioma on the basis of breath sounds. If there is absence or mutation of breath sounds then the presence of fluid in the chest cavity can be suspected. The doctor also taps the chest area to look for dull and solid thumping sounds which would indicate presence of fluid. The doctor would also extend his examination to look for enlarged lymph nodes.
Various imaging techniques like X-Rays, CT Scans, MRI, PET Scans are used to detect cancerous cells. X- Rays can visualize fluid in the lungs or the presence of irregular lumps but it is by a CT scan that allows a radiologist to view separate aspects of the lungs and pleura. MRI Scans can view the soft tissues of the body and these images are superior to the ones produced by X-rays. PET scans identify abnormal metabolic activities and help in detecting very small cancerous cells.
The Pathology tests include Thoracoscopy, Laparoscopy, Bronchoscopy and Mediastinoscopy. In the first process, a telescope called Thoracoscope is inserted through an incision in the chest to view the tumor and to take out a tissue for examination. Tissue of a peritoneal tumor can be obtained through Laparoscopy. A Bronchoscopy involves insertion of a lighted tube down the trachea to detect abnormal growth in the air passages. Mediastinoscopy focuses on testing the lymph nodes to determine the spread of cancer.
The Pulmonary Function Tests monitor the entire pulmonary system and it might include simple to complex medical examinations. Although Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, but still a proper and early diagnosis can raise a faint hope!