Diagnosis of Mesothelioma: Part – 3

X-rays:

Chest or abdomen x-rays can reveal fluid build-up, masses in the chest, or signs of non-cancerous pleural disease, scarring of the lungs and areas of fluid accumulation. Based on a patient’s x-ray results, a doctor will usually order more sensitive tests.

Computerized Tomography (CT) scans:

A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan produces a cross-sectional image of the parts of your body that your doctor wants to study, such as the chest and abdomen. An x-ray source rotates around your body sending data to a computer. A CAT scan helps your doctor determine how large any tumors are, where they are in relation to the heart, lungs and diaphragm, if there is pleural thickening, and how much fluid there is. A CAT scan also helps your doctor determine what stage your cancer is in.

The computer then analyzes the data and produces a series of images. CT scans are also able to define pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible chest wall invasion. CT scans cannot differentiate between benign or malignant mesothelioma. CT scans may also be valuable in guiding fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans:

PET imaging tests have become one of the most efficient ways of diagnosing mesothelioma tumors as well as determining the staging of the cancer. In a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, abnormal areas show up as bright spots. These bright spots may or may not be cancer, so not all doctors believe that these scans are helpful in trying to diagnose mesothelioma cancer. If you have mesothelioma cancer, a PET scan can show whether the cancer has spread outside the area of the body in which it originated (whether it has metastasized).

While PET scans are more expensive than other types of imaging, and are not always covered under insurance, they are now considered to be the most diagnostic of tumor sites, as well as the most superior in determining the staging of mesothelioma.

MRI scans:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses a magnetic field linked to a computer to create an image of the internal structures of your body. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce a detailed, three-dimensional view of the areas where mesothelioma is suspected.

MRI scans use a computer-linked magnet to photograph details of the inside of the body and can determine the severity of a tumor. MRI scans are most often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. Because they provide images in multiple planes, they are better able to identify tumors as opposed to normal structures. Sometimes, an MRI can show whether a tumor has invaded the diaphragm or chest wall.

They are also more accurate than CT scans in assessing enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes (those lymph nodes which lie between the two lungs), as well as a clear diaphragmatic surface, both of which play an important role in surgical candidacy.

Share and Enjoy: