Mesothelioma Diagnosis Tool: CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is one of the most helpful forms of imaging in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. When an individual is suspected of having mesothelioma — the cancer of an internal tissue-lining in the chest — he or she will likely undergo many types of medical imaging to help determine the identity, location and status of the disease.
Along with procedures such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography) and x-rays, a CT scan will probably be arranged at least once for a patient who has or may have mesothelioma. The purposes of all these tests are:
- To diagnose and "stage" the cancer; that is, to determine how far along it is
- To obtain a mesothelioma prognosis (an estimate of how the cancer can be expected to progress)
- To find out whether a treatment that has been administered is effective against the cancer
How a Mesothelioma CT Scan Works
A Mesothelioma CT scan works on principles similar to those of x-rays, but a series of separate images are taken during the procedure. In fact, so many images are taken — from a wide variety of angles — that they can form a three dimensional image of a site inside the body. A CT scan can actually differentiate bone, fluid, tissue and fat. It's a terrific advance in medical imaging, and it's widely available in the U.S.
A computer puts the images together (i.e., computed tomography). This procedure is also sometimes called a "CAT" scan, which stands for "computed axial tomography." Before the CT scan is done, the patient may be given an injection of a special contrast dye that helps provide a better and more detailed image. In some cases, a PET scan can be performed at the same time as the CT scan.
More information about CT Scans for Mesothelioma
The more you know about diagnostic tools for mesothelioma, the sooner that this disease can be identified — or ruled out — in your case or in that of your loved one. If you may have experienced asbestos exposure and contracted an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma, talk to an attorney about your legal rights. You may be eligible for financial compensation from the asbestos manufacturer.
