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Mesothelioma Imaging Scans

Although the medical community understands that pleural mesothelioma primarily affects those who were exposed to asbestos fibers, it can be rather difficult to arrive at the official diagnosis. Symptoms often resemble those of other, less serious conditions and generally do not arise until 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure occurred. Tumors may develop in any part of the mesothelium or even between organs. As a result, this cancer can be challenging to locate and diagnose.

Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma with Imaging Scans

Any examination with a doctor dealing with asbestos exposure concerns should begin with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history. Mentioning the suspicion of asbestos exposure is crucial in alerting the doctor to the possibility of pleural mesothelioma. A standard physical examination is the next step and further tests may be ordered if mesothelioma is a valid possibility. Along with blood, fluid, and tissue tests, doctors rely on imaging scans to detect the presence of cancerous growth.

Mesothelioma X-Rays

Although limited, the most basic pleural mesothelioma imaging scan is an X-ray. Electromagnetic radiation is sent through the body to project a two-dimensional representative image. The waves change as they pass through the different types of tissue, reflecting abnormalities such as pleural mesothelioma tumors onto a flat photographic film.

Mesothelioma CT Scans

Computed tomography (CT) scans is another form of an X-ray delivered by a machine that produces a large quantity of images while moving around the body. The data is then combined into a comprehensive image that illustrates what tissues are found in the designated area. With certain adaptations, a three-dimensional representation can be presented for further analysis, but the data is still only available in shades of light and dark.

Mesothelioma MRI Scans

Another pleural mesothelioma imaging scan is the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. MRI scans rely on electromagnetic radiation to create images, eliminating the health dangers that can result from repeated exposure to X-rays. Magnetic signals elicit a weak radiowave reaction from hydrogen cells in the body. MRI scans provide a clearer picture than X-rays or CT scans and also project their images in color, differentiating between each tissue formation.

Mesothelioma PET Scans

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are perhaps the most advanced mesothelioma imaging scans. Cameras and tracers detect small changes in tissues and biological processes that can illustrate even the tiniest tumor. By injecting a radioactive isotope and glucose into the bloodstream, scanners are able to detect the reaction between certain tissues and the tracer isotope. This not only provides an accurate and extremely detailed image but also offers insight into the chemical processes going on within the body.

Many new scanners are combining PET and CAT scans, occasionally with the additional inclusion of an MRI. These multiple and nearly simultaneous scans allow the biochemical and anatomical results to be considered side-by-side, offering doctors the most detailed information for consideration of a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis.

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