Mesothelioma Diagnosis

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Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, continues to remain challenging for the medical fraternity. This form of cancer is primarily caused by contact with asbestos. Mesothelioma can be either malignant or non-malignant in nature. Perhaps the most crucial concern in mesothelioma is the inability to diagnose it at an earlier stage, as most people exposed to asbestos usually remain unaware of this. Since almost all cases of mesothelioma can be attributed to exposure in order to asbestos, it is also known as 'asbestos cancer. '


Mesothelioma results once the mesothelium cells become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. If not detected at an earlier stage, the cancer may spread to other body parts. Malignant mesothelioma is constantly on the remain the most critical of all, and curing the disease at this final stage is very challenging. Physicians use several techniques to determine mesothelioma, particularly advanced imaging methods. To determine the stage of mesothelioma doctors use several tested techniques like the Butchart system, the TNM system, or the latest Brigham System. A conclusive diagnosis, however, is still being practiced through techniques of fluid diagnosis as well as tissue biopsy.



General physicians are not able to treat the disease for their lack of any special training for the disease. At best, the general physician can suspect mesothelioma and refer the individual to a special group of doctors who are specifically trained in several regions of mesothelioma. Once in the care of the specialist, the patient is looked after by the pulmonologist, the thoracic surgeon, the medical oncologist, the radiation oncologist, and pathologists and also the respiratory therapist, in sync with the agreed line of treatment.


The arduous procedure for mesothelioma diagnosis is a difficult experience for patients and their near as well as dear ones. The long-drawn tests, endless consultations and frequent visits to hospitals increase the woes of the sufferer. There are several missions and charitable organizations that understand the plight from the mesothelioma patients and their family members, and offer their services in the shape of psychological counseling and other services that seek to mitigate the pains to some large extent.