PET-SC Scans More Effective than PET or CT Scans Alone When Diagnosing Mesothelioma

While there are many imaging techniques that help physicians diagnose mesothelioma, but PET-CT scans are the preferred technique. A recent study published by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Catholic University in Rome, Italy, indicates that using PET-CT scans in conjunction can determine mesothelioma staging more accurately during diagnosis.

There are four stages of mesothelioma which vary slightly from each other. Stage one indicates the first stage of mesothelioma where the tumor is localized, there is no lymph node involvement, and the cancer has not spread to other tissues or organs. Stage one is easily treatable by surgery and other treatments. Stage four is the final stage of mesothelioma where the cancer has invaded multiple regions such as the chest wall, the abdomen, or the pericardium. Lymph nodes are also involved and the cancer has spread to other organs and tissue systems. When a patient is diagnosed with Stage three or greater, the disease is considered terminal, and they are usually only given six months to a year to live.

According the recent study, the combination of a PET scan and a CT scan can be more effective than stand alone procedures. For example, the combination of these two imaging techniques can be more effective in differentiating malignant mesothelioma from other diseases. Malignant mesothelioma is mesothelioma that has spread to other tissues and organs in the body.

Also, this scan can offer an insight into a patient's projected survival and mortality rate. Additionally, the scan can be used to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for surgery. While surgery can shrink a tumor, it can cause serious complications if a patient is not a strong candidate, so it is important for physicians to determine if a patient is a strong enough for surgery.

After treatment, a PET-CT scan can also be used to track the tumor's response to therapy and monitor the patient for any recurrence. This allows doctors to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and to determine if any adjustments need to be made.

It is well known that mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, the fibers become lodged in the tissue of the lungs, causing inflammation in the lungs, heart and/or abdomen. Asbestos was a common flame retardant that was used in twentieth century construction.

Many patients and their families' seek legal advice as manufacturers of asbestos knew of its dangerous effects but failed to tell the general public. Also, many patients do not experience any symptoms for up to thirty years, and by the time they are diagnosed, it is often too late.

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