Mesothelioma test

Mesothelioma: Biopsy, Blood Test and Imaging Scans for Patients Biopsy, blood test and imaging scans are some of the common methods in detecting and diagnosing mesothelioma in people. Physicians can also use the common detection methods to determine how aggressive the spread of the mesothelioma is. Medical experts would recommend biopsy, blood test and imaging scans because they are readily accessible, accurate, and most of the results are immediately available. Biopsy Doctors will usually perform a biopsy if a prior x-ray exam of a person’s chest or abdomen showed any indications of a tumor. The biopsy method will remove living tissue from your body and the tissue will be examined under a microscope. The four common methods of biopsy are open biopsy, needle biopsy, thorascoscopy, and laparoscopy. Needle biopsy – This method uses a hallow needle inserted into the chest cavity to collect small samples of tissue from the cavity and the samples will be examined under a microscope. However, needle biopsy only has 25% to 60% accuracy because of the small size of the samples taken. Needle biopsy uses a local anesthetic on the patient during the procedure. Open biopsy – This method collects a larger sample of tissue and fluid, which makes it the most accurate and conclusive method. Bronchoscopy – This method uses a flexible, lighted tube inserted through the mouth, into the trachea, and into the bronchial tubes to remove tissue in the airways. Thoracoscopy – This method uses a telescopic-like instrument with a video camera and inserted through a small incision in the chest. Blood test There are ongoing medical researches to develop blood tests for detecting mesothelioma. However, the Mesomark blood test is the only method approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The Mesomark test uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the amount of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) in a human serum. People who have mesothelioma will have elevated levels of SMRP because the test will search for this type of biomarker in their bodies. The Mesomark test could result in early diagnosis of mesothelioma and lead to better chances of survival for patients. Imaging scans The common imaging scans to detect mesothelioma: CT scans – Computed Tomography (CT) uses several two-dimensional X-rays taken around a single axis of rotation to produce a three-dimensional image of the internal organs of the patient. This method can detect growths of mass under bones and organs that traditional X-ray scans may not detect. MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses electromagnetic radiation to activate the hydrogen nuclei in the water molecules of the human tissue, which produces a signal that is spatially encoded. The scan generates two-dimensional cross- slices of images of your body. PET scans – Positron emission tomography (PET) uses a radioactive substance called a tracer injected into the bloodstream of a person. The tracer mixes with a common glucose in your body and the PET scan will detect the areas in your body consuming more glucose. A computer analysis reconstructs the concentration of the tracer in a three-dimensional space in your body. The scan then generates detailed images of the body that can detect the smallest tumor in your body. X-rays – The traditional method of scanning useful in detecting abnormalities in your skeletal system, but this scan is the most limited because it only generates a flat and two-dimensional image of your organs and tissues. X-rays can detect some abnormalities in soft tissue but they can hardly detect tumors in the brain or muscle mass. If you suspect that you or anyone you know has the symptoms of mesothelioma, a consultation with a physician is the first thing to do. The doctor will recommend what is the best diagnostic test for you and he will then refer you to a medical diagnostic center or a hospital for the tests.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health.

Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Surgery
A part of the lining of the chest or abdomen is removed as well as some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy
Radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy
This involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.