Lung cancer mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in construction and manufacturing industries until the 1970s. Diagnosis of lung cancer mesothelioma can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to other respiratory conditions, and the disease may not manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos. However, several tests can be used to diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma, including imaging, blood tests, and biopsies.
Imaging tests are often the first step in diagnosing lung cancer mesothelioma. These tests allow doctors to visualize the lungs and chest cavity and can reveal abnormalities or tumors. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma include:
X-rays: X-rays use radiation to create images of the bones and tissues inside the body. They can identify abnormalities in the lungs and chest cavity, such as fluid buildup or masses.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: CT scans use a series of X-rays to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. They can provide more detailed information about the location, size, and extent of tumors than X-rays.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans: MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s soft tissues. They can provide more detailed information about the extent of tumors and can help doctors determine if the cancer has spread to nearby organs or tissues.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans: PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material to create images of the body’s tissues and organs. They can help doctors determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body beyond the lungs and chest cavity.
Blood tests can also be helpful in diagnosing lung cancer mesothelioma. These tests can detect certain proteins that are produced by cancer cells and can help doctors determine if cancer is present in the body. The most common blood tests used to diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma include:
Mesothelin: Mesothelin is a protein that is produced by cancer cells and is often present in people with lung cancer mesothelioma. Blood tests that measure mesothelin levels can help doctors diagnose the disease and monitor its progression.
Fibulin-3: Fibulin-3 is a protein that is also produced by cancer cells and is often present in people with lung cancer mesothelioma. Blood tests that measure fibulin-3 levels can help doctors diagnose the disease and monitor its progression.
Finally, biopsies are often necessary to definitively diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. There are several types of biopsies that can be used to diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma, including:
Needle Biopsy: A needle biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a long, thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the affected area to remove a small sample of tissue.
Thoracoscopy: A thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the chest to visualize the lungs and chest cavity. A tissue sample can then be removed for examination.
Open Biopsy: An open biopsy is a more invasive procedure in which a larger incision is made in the chest to remove a tissue sample for examination. This type of biopsy is usually only performed if other methods have been unsuccessful or if a larger tissue sample is needed for diagnosis.
In conclusion, the diagnosis of lung cancer mesothelioma can be challenging, as symptoms can be similar to other respiratory conditions, and the disease may not manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos. However, imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies can help doctors diagnose lung cancer mesothelioma and determine the extent of the disease. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor and undergo appropriate testing to diagnose and treat any potential health concerns.
