Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment

By Grant Law Office on August 24, 2011

In last week’s blog post, we discussed the various signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. This week’s blog post is the final installment in our 3-part blog series and discusses the diagnostic process and treatment options for malignant mesothelioma.

Diagnosis

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are also the symptoms for other conditions, it is often difficult to obtain a conclusive diagnosis right away. A physician will consider various diagnostic factors even before any imaging tests to screen for the disease. These factors include:

• The patient’s medical history;
• A physical examination; and
• Determination of any prior asbestos exposure.

Based on the information gathered from the factors above, a physician may follow-up with any or all of these imaging tests to further aid them in their diagnosis:

• CT Scan;
• X-Ray;
• MRI; and
• PET Scan.

If, at the end of the aforementioned diagnostic factors and procedures, a doctor discovers that the patient has a history of asbestos exposure, is exhibiting the symptoms of mesothelioma and their image scans show fluid in the chest or abdomen or an unidentified mass, then the doctor will order a biopsy.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the most effective method of diagnosis. During a biopsy test, the doctor will collect fluid and/or tissue samples to examine for cancer cells. Biopsy tests may include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration;
• Thoracoscopy;
• Mediastinoscopy;
• Incisional or Core Biopsy; and
• Excisional Biopsy.

Mesothelioma Treatments

Although the location and progression of the cancer is a factor in treatment for mesothelioma, the usual treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ultimately, each patient must work with their doctor to decide what the best treatment options are for them.

Getting the Treatment You Deserve

Many companies continued using and producing asbestos products even after its dangers became known, thus threatening the health and safety of everyone who worked with or around it. But, even decades afterwards, the victims of asbestos exposure can still receive justice.

Being told that years of asbestos exposure have given you cancer is probably the most difficult and traumatizing news you could ever get. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. our dedicated Georgia mesothelioma attorneys help meothelioma victims get the compensation they deserve from negligent parties. Contact us today to find out how we may help you at 404-995-3955.