Diagnosing Mesothelioma: Imaging Methods

X-ray
X-ray of the chest reveals the accumulation of pleural fluids in either of the lungs. Other observations that can be made from x-ray are noting of mass on the lung, scars of non-cancerous asbestosis and plaque and calcifying on pleura. However x-ray or any other imaging technique at best can be indicative of the disease and not definitive like tissue biopsy or fluid tests that produce confirmatory results.

Computed Tomography (CT)
Development of pleural effusion, thickening and calcification or invasion of chest wall due to mesothelioma can be detected by CT scan. CT scan also aids in tissue diagnosis to ascertain mesothelioma. CT scan cannot however distinguish between benign and malignant mesothelioma.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI
Before starting aggressive treatment on mesothelioma patients, MRI scan is used to find out the stage of the malignant tumor. MRI scans are more effective than CT scans in that the images being multi-planar compared to normal images in CT scan, tumors can be identified more clearly as also the enlargement of the lymph nodes between the two lungs identifiable more easily. This is important for surgery of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The diaphragm surface can also be scanned by MRI.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Unlike other types of imaging, PET for diagnosing mesothelioma is more expensive and does not always have insurance cover. However PET imaging yields best results for diagnosing tumors and the stage of malignant mesothelioma.

Combined CT/PET
For correct clinical staging for treatment of mesothelioma patients with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, CT/PET combined imaging is used as one of the latest techniques. CT/PET method combines the anatomic and metabolic information into one single scan. Whether a mesothelioma patient is ready for surgery can be accurately determined by this integrated method. The combined single CT/PET scan by accurately identifying the staging of the cancer facilitates for the mesothelioma patients the best treatment options as also the readiness for surgery.