Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Though there are several different types of tests to help in the initial detection of mesothelioma cells, there are only a few different ways in which to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos and find that you are experiencing some of the symptoms associated with mesothelioma, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and chronic coughing, you should see your doctor immediately in order to be tested for mesothelioma.

None of the tests for diagnosing mesothelioma are invasive procedures, and most can be done in your regular doctor’s office initially. These tests for identifying and the diagnosis of mesothelioma include various chest imaging tests, emission tests, as well as a few different blood tests that can lead to a positive or negative diagnosis. The most effective test currently is the PET can which tests for radioactive emissions that are unique to malignant mesothelioma cells.

The blood tests currently available work only if your doctor suspects that you are in the early stages of mesothelioma. The SMR protein test checks for elevated levels of the SMR protein which has been known to exist in patients with mesothelioma. This test is intended to help diagnose early stage cases of the cancer as well as track the progression of the disease.

The osteopontin glycoprotein test is an early detection mechanism for diagnosing early stage malignant mesothelioma. Studies have shown that there is a definite link between elevated levels of osteopontin glycoprotein and the existence of malignant mesothelioma. This test while not currently able to diagnose later stages of the disease, is able to help monitor its progression. A great deal of excitement in the medical community has come because of blood tests which are able to diagnose mesothelioma at its earliest stages, and have been found to also have the possibility of being able to identify those who may not currently suffer from symptoms of the disease, but could be at risk for the development of the cancer. This would allow them to have preventative treatment as there is no known cure for malignant mesothelioma.

No matter which type of test is used in your initial diagnosis, the true test is in the biopsy that will occur if your doctor is truly concerned that you may be suffering from mesothelioma. The biopsy is an outpatient procedure that is minimally invasive. It requires a local anesthetic as the infected cells are harvested for further scrutiny under a microscope. The suspect cells will then be subject to a biopsy, allowing a histopathologist to examine the cells much more closely in order to determine not only the type of mesothelioma that you may suffer from, but also what stage it is in. This will give your doctor the best options for treatment.

As there is no known cure for the cancer, diagnosing mesothelioma as quickly and early as possible are key to your treatment, which will help determine your survival rate.

 

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