Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Does Mesothelioa Show on an X-Ray?

X-rays are low-resolution, low-radiation images that give doctors a two-dimensional glimpse into the body. Irregularities that may indicate the presence of mesotheliomas, such as fluid buildup, pleural thickening, pleural plaques, tumors, and irregularities in lung size, are usually visible with an X-ray. Abnormal scans may prompt doctors to move on to higher-resolution imaging tests. The average X-ray only takes around 15 minutes.

What does Mesothelioma look like on a CT Scan?

Computed tomography scans (also referred to as CT or CAT scans) combine rotating X-rays with computers to create multi-angled images of the body. They show if abnormalities are present and give doctors a deeper understanding of the extent and exact location of the abnormality, making them particularly helpful in diagnosing cancer. A CT scan lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the part of the body.

PET Scan for Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Positron emission tomography scans, or PET scans, use a small dosage of the radiotracer, a radioactive chemical, to produce three-dimensional images. PET scans can show changes in an organ or tissue at a cellular level, where most diseases begin. This technology allows doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma based on how far it has spread throughout the patient’s body. Once patients are injected with the radiotracer, it takes about an hour to travel through the body and be absorbed by the affected organs or tissues. The actual scan takes an additional 30 to 60 minutes.

MRI

MRIs (magnetic resonance images) use powerful magnetic fields and a computer rather than radiation to create high-resolution, three-dimensional images of affected areas in a patient’s body. They identify areas that may require a biopsy and are often used for staging mesothelioma. MRI test times range from 15 minutes to nearly an hour. Patients with claustrophobia (or a fear of enclosed spaces) may receive anti-anxiety medication, which requires a longer recovery.

Blood Tests for Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Following imaging tests, blood tests are next in line when diagnosing mesothelioma. The most common blood tests doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma are listed below.

• Cancer Antigen (CA 125) Cancer antigen 125 is a protein biomarker found in large concentrations of cancer cells. The CA 125 test measures how much protein is present in a patient’s blood, but it is not specific to mesothelioma and can be elevated in other tumor types. When factored in with stage and tumor location, a change in CA 125 levels can help determine a patient’s mesothelioma diagnosis and anticipate their response to systemic chemotherapy.
• MesoMark® Gaining FDA approval in 2007, MesoMark® was the first blood test to aid in mesothelioma diagnosis or monitoring. MesoMark® works by measuring levels of soluble mesothelin-related proteins released by diseased cells, allowing doctors to assess the severity of mesothelioma present in the body. However, because sarcomatoid mesothelioma does not release these proteins, MesoMark® is unable to assist in the diagnosis or monitoring of this mesothelioma cell type and should be used in concurrence with other tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Biopsies

A biopsy is the gold standard test to diagnose mesothelioma. It involves the removal of fluid or tissue in order to determine the presence or extent of the disease. In mesothelioma patients, biopsies allow doctors to determine whether cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Cytology reports are used to test samples retrieved from fluid biopsies for mesothelioma cells. Fluid biopsies are less invasive than tissue biopsies. However, because mesothelioma can mirror other conditions, a tissue biopsy is required to achieve a conclusive mesothelioma diagnosis and is usually necessary in order to pursue legal claims.

Needle Biopsies

Sometimes called a closed biopsy, needle biopsies are the least invasive type of biopsy available for a mesothelioma diagnosis. They are generally outpatient procedures, meaning patients can come the same day.

• Pleural Biopsy The most common needle biopsy, doctors perform pleural biopsies on patients experiencing fluid buildup between their lungs and chest (pleural effusion). An anesthetic is first injected to numb the area. Then, the doctor inserts a needle to collect a sample of the pleural fluid and tissue to check for the presence and extent of mesothelioma. The procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.
• Thoracentesis Also similar to a pleural biopsy, thoracentesis involves the draining of fluid in the pleural cavity. It is done for diagnostic purposes and to reduce patient pain and discomfort. The procedure is fast, usually around 15 minutes in total, depending on the amount of fluid removed.
• Paracentesis Similar to a pleural biopsy, during paracentesis, a doctor inserts a needle into the patient’s peritoneal cavity to retrieve a sample of the ascitic fluid buildup in the abdomen. This procedure allows doctors to test for the presence of mesothelioma, as well as relieve patient discomfort. Depending on the level of fluid buildup, this procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
• Pericardiocentesis For patients experiencing fluid buildup around the heart sac (pericardial effusion), a pericardiocentesis procedure may be done to drain the fluid and prevent future buildup. Like other needle biopsies, pericardiocentesis can be helpful in the diagnostic process as well as alleviating patient pain. The procedure usually takes between 20 minutes to an hour.

Camera-Assisted Biopsies

Camera- or video-assisted biopsies involve a small camera, a computer, and surgical instruments. Generally, a doctor will perform a camera-assisted biopsy after a needle biopsy and before a surgical biopsy.

• Thoracoscopy During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision to insert a viewing tube into the chest cavity. The doctor can capture a diagnostic sample and relieve the patient of some discomfort by draining excess fluid. The Thoracoscopy procedure ranges from 45 to 90 minutes.
• Laparoscopy (Sometimes Called Peritoneoscopy) Similar to thoracoscopy, laparoscopy involves making a small incision that allows doctors to insert a viewing tube and a camera into the abdomen. Doctors are able to examine the affected abdominal organs and take diagnostic samples. This procedure usually lasts around 75 minutes.
• Mediastinoscopy This camera-assisted biopsy procedure allows doctors to examine the lymph nodes and see if the mesothelioma has spread. It generally takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

Surgical Biopsies

A surgeon will perform a surgical biopsy when less invasive biopsies fail to provide definitive results. They are conducted under general anesthesia.

• Thoracotomy When a tumor is detected in the chest, a thoracotomy may be performed. During this surgical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest to take a tissue biopsy. When possible, the surgeon will also remove as much of the tumor as possible during this procedure.
• Laparotomy When a tumor is detected in the abdomen, a laparotomy may be performed. During this surgical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to take a tissue biopsy. When possible, the surgeon will also remove as much of the tumor as possible during this procedure and consider what is called cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy. The latter is not for diagnosis but for treating peritoneal mesothelioma.