Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis

The information on types and diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma given on this page is intended for general use only. You must always consult a mesothelioma Doctor for any medical problem.

Mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult. Researchers from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Australia, have developed a test to detect mesothelioma that looks at the blood concentrations of proteins expressed by mesothelioma cells called soluble mesothelin-related proteins, or SMR. They conclude that the determination of SMR in serum could be a useful marker for diagnosis of mesothelioma. The SMR test could be used to detect the cancer several years earlier, thus saving lives.

The researchers at the Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden have found that the quality of the biopsy specimens shows the possibility to arrive at a correct histopathologic diagnosis. They suggest tubulopapillary B>mesotheliomas be regarded as "low-grade mesotheliomas" and other types, including the epithelioid type of epithelial mesotheliomas, as "high-grade mesotheliomas." This should be taken into account when designing clinical trials. [Johansson L, Linden CJ, Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden, Chest, Jan 1996.]

If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma, you have the legal right to seek medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. You should consult a qualified attorney to advocate your rights in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma may be benign and malignant. Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor. The 2 common types of mesothelioma are:

Pleural mesothelioma: It is the most common type of mesothelioma, which is also referred to as a lung cancer because it affects the pleura, the thin membrane between the lungs and the chest cavity. The diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is not possible until its symptoms, such as breathlessness, are developed.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesotheliomas, but it is more invasive and aggressive, resulting in a shorter life expectancy. The peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. Mesotheliomas can also be of the stomach and other abdominal organs.

The survival time for a patient with diffuse malignant mesothelioma is from 4 to 24 months from the observance of the symptoms, however, some victims have survived for several years with proper care.

The content on this website is reviewed regularly and is updated when new information is made available. The information provided is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your Doctor.