Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Being diagnosed with any form of cancer is rough. Mesothelioma is very rough because the prospects of a successful recovery are low. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a two layer lining that surrounds all the internal organs in the chest and abdomen area. It acts as a lubricating wall that lets organs move about with a minimum of problems. How does cancer get into the mesothelium? Yes, it is "that" cancer you've read about in all the big class action cases and on 60 Minutes and other television shows.
One of the big hurdles with Mesothelioma is treating it. It is a devilish form of cancer because of two reasons. The first is the gestation time. The second reason it is hard to diagnose is the symptoms are the same as many other health problems that are less dire. Lung function tests are then undertaken. No blood is drawn as this form of cancer does not have any biomarkers, the items looked for in cancer blood tests. Depending on results, your doctor may then also order an MRI to isolate some area of the body. Mesothelioma is that hard to find.
If Mesothelioma is expected, a biopsy will be ordered. The mesothelium runs through the chest and abdomen, so it could be anywhere. Regardless, the biopsy will generally involve an oncologist making a small insertion into the body cavity and then running a scope into it. The samples will be sent to pathology where lab tests will determine if cancerous cells are present or not.
One of the big hurdles with Mesothelioma is treating it. It is a devilish form of cancer because of two reasons. The first is the gestation time. The second reason it is hard to diagnose is the symptoms are the same as many other health problems that are less dire. Lung function tests are then undertaken. No blood is drawn as this form of cancer does not have any biomarkers, the items looked for in cancer blood tests. Depending on results, your doctor may then also order an MRI to isolate some area of the body. Mesothelioma is that hard to find.
If Mesothelioma is expected, a biopsy will be ordered. The mesothelium runs through the chest and abdomen, so it could be anywhere. Regardless, the biopsy will generally involve an oncologist making a small insertion into the body cavity and then running a scope into it. The samples will be sent to pathology where lab tests will determine if cancerous cells are present or not.
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