Mesothelioma Information

A doctor diagnoses mesothelioma following the careful assessment of test findings acquired through the use of clinical and radiological diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is very challenging to diagnose until the advanced stages of the disease because its onset can be delayed for as long as fifty years after exposure to asbestos.  Mesothelioma symptoms are not wholly unique and most diagnostic tool test are not specific enough to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages of the disease.

Initial patient evaluation is critical for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma.  The doctor will complete a medical history that includes questions to help determine the timeframe in which the patient could have been exposed to asbestos.  In addition, a complete physical examination will be performed.  Finally, the doctor may order an x-ray or CT scan of the chest and/or abdomen and a lung function test.

If any preliminary results from the imaging test indicate the presence of malignant mesothelioma, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.  A biopsy may be performed in any number of ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located.  If the mesothelioma cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy.  If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy.

Mesothelioma Thoracoscopy

Mesothelioma thoracoscopy allows a doctor to look inside the chest of a mesothelioma sufferer and obtain tissue samples of a pleural or pericardial tumor.  An incision is made through the chest wall to place a thoracoscope in between the chest and ribs. The thoracoscope consist of a tiny telescopic lens, light source and surgical instruments.  An image is projected onto a television screen to allow a surgeon to perform a host of procedures.

Mesothelioma Laparoscopy

Radiological (x-ray) and ultrasound examinations are able to diagnose many conditions within the abdomen, but they have their limitations.  Under certain circumstances, a clearer picture of the abdomen is required.  At present time, laparoscopy offers the quickest, safest and least invasive way to confirm a clinical diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

In this procedure, a microscopic video camera (laparoscope) attached to a flexible tube is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a small incision on the front of the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped through the tube into the abdomen to create a space within which the doctor can observe or operate. Fluid can also be collected during this procedure.

X-Ray

An x-ray is a radiological test that produces an image of abnormal changes such as thick, nodular masses on the pleural surface or excessive fluid in the lungs. The x-ray film records all changes and produces an image of the body tissue structure.  Two views are usually taken:

1. Posterior-anterior view - the image is taken from behind the patient to view the lungs.
2. Lateral view - the image is taken from right-to-left across the lungs.

The x-ray's days as a reliable mesothelioma diagnostic tool could be ending as radiologists are criticizing its validity of diagnosing any type of lung ailments. The images are missing small cancerous tumors whose early detection can be critical to patient survival. Radiologists need a clear image of the respiratory system before diagnosing mesothelioma in a patient. Lately, they have relied on other mesothelioma diagnostic tools before coming to a conclusion.

CT Scan

A CT scan uses a rotating x-ray beam to create a series of pictures of the body from many angles; this is called a tomogram.  A computer linked to an x-ray machine combines these pictures to produce a detailed cross-sectional image of a selected area inside the body.  To highlight images on a CT scan, a harmless dye can be injected into a patient's vein.  The three-dimensional imaging makes a CT scan a more effective mesothelioma diagnostic tool than a chest x-ray.

A CT scan will help determine the location, size and extent of mesothelioma cancer.  In some cases, mesothelioma cancer detection is possible before signs and symptoms appear. Doctors use a CT scan as a means of  "preventative medicine" or as an "early detection device."  A major obstacle of early mesothelioma diagnosis is distinguishing the early stage of this cancer from other lung ailments.

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.