Mesothelioma Information

Mesothelioma diagnostic imaging tools are crucial in the diagnosing of the asbestos disease as well as discovering how far the cancer has spread (mesothelioma staging). A doctor will initially request a chest x-ray and then decide if further mesothelioma diagnostic imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI and sometimes PET scan are required. Tissue and fluid samples are then used to confirm the diagnostic imaging test results.

Mesothelioma can sometimes be difficult to diagnose by studying the cells from fluid (ascites) removed from around the lungs, abdomen or heart.  It can even be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma using tissue samples obtained from surgical biopsy. Under the microscope, mesothelioma can look like several other types of cancer. The ability to view a cancer inside a patient's body through a picture obtained from a diagnostic imaging test is a crucial part in the process of making an accurate diagnosis.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is becoming an important part of the diagnosis and evaluation process of mesothelioma.  A PET scan consists of cameras and tracers that form images to detect small cancerous tumors and assist in determining the staging of mesothelioma.  A low dose of radioactive sugar is injected into a patient to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body.  Cancerous regions metabolize sugar at a higher rate than normal surrounding tissues; the PET scan will highlight this abnormal activity. Unlike other conventional diagnostic imaging tests such as an x-ray, CT scan and MRI, a PET scan does not show the body's anatomy; instead, PET scans show the chemical function or the metabolism of an organ or tissue.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI scan is often used to detect the possible presence of mesothelioma, and used to obtain additional information regarding the possibility of mesothelioma metastasis in surgical candidates.  The MRI scan uses magnetism to build a picture of the selected area inside the body. The picture provides a clearer and distinct view of soft tissue areas of concern in patients.  Many doctors feel the difference in diagnostic accuracy between an MRI and CT scan is not that great.

X-Ray

The diagnosis of respiratory problems often begins with a chest x-ray.  A patient's x-ray can show irregular thickening of the pleura or a growth in the pleur which might indicate a cancerous mass.  The x-ray may also show an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or in the peritoneal space (ascites).  All are ominous signs of malignant mesothelioma that can lead to further diagnostic imaging testing.

CT Scan

If the original x-ray shows pleural or lung abnormalities, a CT scan will be requested for a definitive look at the affected area by the doctor.  A CT scan provides detailed pictures of the abnormal area created by a computer that is linked to an x-ray machine.  A CT scan can detect early stages of cancer that may not be detectable in other diagnostic imaging tests.  A CT scan also helps determine the location, size and extent of mesothelioma cancer tumors.

Legal Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP.

Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in toxic tort litigation cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.

We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.