general facts on lung cancer
When a patient has symptoms suggesting malignant mesothelioma, a doctor starts with imaging techniques to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays and CT scans of the chest or abdomen are taken to identify any abnormalities such as fluid collections, thickening of tissues or tumors, which may indicate a underlying disease. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) images are taken to determine the degree of spread of cancer, PET is more expensive but also more accurate. The information of scans are used to plan treatment.
Once cancer is suspected, a tissue biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If this is the pleura or tissue lining the chest and lungs, thoracoscopy is performed generally under local anesthesia. A small opening in the chest wall and an instrument called a thoracoscope through which the surgeon can see in the chest, insert between the ribs. The tissue and fluid can be collected through this opening. Similarly, if it affects the peritoneum or tissue lining the abdominal cavity and organs abs, a peritoneoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity to collect the biopsy tissue. The biopsy tissue is examined under a microscope to determine if the cells are normal or cancerous. Depending on the cell type, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis can be made. Malignant mesotheliomas are of three types of cells, epithelioid, mixed and sarcomatoid. In general, epithelioid malignant mesothelioma are the most common and carry a better prognosis are the most rare sarcomatoid with shortened survival.
The next step is the stage of the cancer as localized, advanced or recurrent. This can be done through a combination of images and the surgical exploration. There are three staging systems in use, each with four stages: the Butchart System, the TNM system and the Brigham System.
Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.
