Mesothelioma is a very uncommon kind of cancer that only has almost 3000 new cases in America each year. Causes point to asbestos contact in the past and the cancer can take anywhere from 20 to 40 years to show up.
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients are generally quite gloomy. Your doctor will probably conduct a medical history and perform an exam to look for signs of mesothelioma, for example pleural effusion, ascites or pericardial effusion. General screening is not done as since this kind of cancer is so rare. Tests are typically carried out for those who are exhibiting symptoms or those that are at risk.
Once everything else has been ruled out and the proper circumstances and symptoms are preset, the doctor will start suspecting a case of mesothelioma. If a doctor knows a patient has been exposed to asbestos in a work environment the doctor might test for mesothelioma earlier than if there was no known asbestos contact or other major risk factors.
X-rays are generally done to look for calcium deposits on the pleura, thickening of the pleura or effusion of the pleura. CT scans are also utilized to detect the existence of cancer in the affected regions. Using radio waves and magnets, an MRI can help locate a tumor and reveal its dimensions.
Blood tests are also valuable in detecting mesothelioma. High levels of osteopontin as well as a few important peptides are looked for by the doctor.
Fluid analysis tests can also be utilized to help the doctor detect mesothelioma. A needle is inserted over three regions, thoracentesis (chest), pericardiocentesis (heart) or paracentesis (abdomen). Pleural, thoracic or abdominal fluid is removed and analyzed. Other kinds of cancer and mesothelioma is easier to tell apart with fluid analysis.
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients are generally quite gloomy. Your doctor will probably conduct a medical history and perform an exam to look for signs of mesothelioma, for example pleural effusion, ascites or pericardial effusion. General screening is not done as since this kind of cancer is so rare. Tests are typically carried out for those who are exhibiting symptoms or those that are at risk.
Once everything else has been ruled out and the proper circumstances and symptoms are preset, the doctor will start suspecting a case of mesothelioma. If a doctor knows a patient has been exposed to asbestos in a work environment the doctor might test for mesothelioma earlier than if there was no known asbestos contact or other major risk factors.
X-rays are generally done to look for calcium deposits on the pleura, thickening of the pleura or effusion of the pleura. CT scans are also utilized to detect the existence of cancer in the affected regions. Using radio waves and magnets, an MRI can help locate a tumor and reveal its dimensions.
Blood tests are also valuable in detecting mesothelioma. High levels of osteopontin as well as a few important peptides are looked for by the doctor.
Fluid analysis tests can also be utilized to help the doctor detect mesothelioma. A needle is inserted over three regions, thoracentesis (chest), pericardiocentesis (heart) or paracentesis (abdomen). Pleural, thoracic or abdominal fluid is removed and analyzed. Other kinds of cancer and mesothelioma is easier to tell apart with fluid analysis.
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Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma are just two hubpages written by the author. For extra information please click on the links directing you to the hubpages.
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