Mesothelioma Information

Experts and researchers have come a long way in the development of new mesothelioma diagnostic tools that assist in the early diagnosis of mesothelioma, a deadly type of asbestos cancer.  Mesothelioma symptoms can take many years to appear, creating a situation whereby most mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed after the disease has developed to an advanced stage.

Early indications have suggested that protein levels in the blood can indicate the presence of mesothelioma cells, which could make a real impact on the detection of mesothelioma at an early and potentially curable stage. This blood test has been dubbed Mesomark. Researchers believe the Mesomark blood test, when combined with PET/CT scan and Thoracoscopy will become important new diagnostic tools to the clinical community.

PET Combined with CT Scans

A new hybrid whole-body scanner will enable patients to undergo two types of diagnostic scans in the same machine; this is known as a PET/CT scan.  A combined image will be produced that allows doctors to pinpoint mesothelioma cancer with extreme accuracy.

Both the CT and PET scan have added valuable dimensions to mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, but each has its limitations.  A CT scan cannot distinguish between dead scar tissue and active cancers, or detect cancers at a smaller, earlier stage as a PET scan has proven capable of.  However, a PET scan lacks the power to clearly define an anatomical structure (particularly in the abdomen) which serves as a landmark for doctors in pinning down a tumor's location.

Prior to the development of the hybrid PET/CT scanner in November of 2003, radiologists would often have to compare the same affected location on two different images. It can be difficult to duplicate a patient's position in two separate scans. With the combined machine, both scans are performed simultaneously. The resulting scans are superimposed and blended by computer software to form a fused image of the cancerous area in the patient's anatomy.

Thoracoscopy

A definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma must be the result of a pathological examination.  A tissue sample is removed from a patient and looked at under a microscope by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease in the laboratory).  A tissue sample of a pleural or pericardial mesothelioma tumor can be obtained using a technique called thoracoscopy.  A thoracoscope (telescopic instrument connected to a video camera) is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall.  An oncologist can observe a tumor through the thoracoscope and use special forceps to remove a tissue sample from the tumor for histopathological examination.  Fluid (ascites, effusions) can also be collected during this procedure.

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.