Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The most critical form of mesothelioma is the malignant form. Known as malignant mesothelioma, the main causative factor is asbestos infection. According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, "Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cancer of the cells (malignant) in the breast pocket (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or the lining is find around the heart (pericardium). "
Mesothelioma can be divided into three types - pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma refers to cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma refers to cancer of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) lining, and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the wall surrounding the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma subtypes are three basic types, very aggressive, one of the least aggressive and fall between the two extremes.
Malignant mesothelioma can be diagnosed by various imaging techniques. These imaging techniques allow doctors to evaluate mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma is suspected, the patient is advised to undergo various tests, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). The doctor can also perform special tests of mesothelioma such as thoracoscopy, peritonoscopy and biopsy.
Learning about the mesothelioma stage is a crucial factor that helps doctors decide on the treatment plan. If the cancer is confined to the pleura, mesothelioma is considered localized. If the cancer spreads to the addition of the pleura to other parts of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity, lymph nodes and chest wall, mesothelioma is considered advanced.
The oldest and most used system for determining mesothelioma stages is the Butchart system. The Butchart system is based on the extent of the primary tumor mass available in a patient. This system divides mesothelioma into four stages. The TNM system, a slightly advanced system compared to the Butchart system, determines the staging of tumor mass variables and the dissemination of lymph node involvement and metastasis. However, the most recent system is known as the Brigham System, where staging for respectability and involvement of the lymph nodes occurs. Despite these modern techniques, a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma is possible thanks to a diagnosis of fluid and a tissue biopsy.