Mesothelioma Diagnosis/Treatment: X-Rays
A patient who is suspected of having a form of the deadly cancer mesothelioma will probably undergo x-ray imaging as a diagnostic test. X-rays are able to detect many irregularities in soft body tissues, such as the lungs and the mesothelium (the soft tissue lining in the chest cavity where mesothelioma usually strikes). A chest x-ray is a common test for mesothelioma, pneumonia and lung cancer.
X-ray Testing for Mesothelioma
A chest x-ray may be able to identify the location of a mesothelioma tumor, and it may show whether the tumor has spread. However, the tumor that a chest x-ray is capable of identifying is large enough that it may be past the early phase of development, and thus x-rays aren't able to diagnose mesothelioma in its earliest stages.
X-Ray Treatment for Mesothelioma
X-rays can also be used to treat mesothelioma. In fact, the treatment modality known as "mesothelioma radiation therapy" is actually a very high dose of x-rays — directly targeting the cancer cells in the body. Radiation therapy is used to kill individual cancer cells, and although it's a very effective treatment for cancer, it also carries risks. The radiation/x-ray treatment can kill cancer cells, but it can also be dangerous to healthy cells.
X-Rays in Combination with Other Treatments for Mesothelioma
X-ray/radiation treatment can also be combined with chemo- (drug) therapy or with surgery, or with both. In many cases, a mesothelioma patient will receive all three treatments — surgery to cut away most of the tumor tissue, an x-ray and chemotherapy to kill off the rest of the cancer that could not be surgically removed. The particular treatment regimen that a patient receives depends in part on his or her:
- general health
- stage of mesothelioma, and
- chances of a successful recovery
Learn More about X-Rays for Mesothelioma
If you would like to speak with an experienced asbestos attorney about treatments for mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases, please contact us today. A skilled attorney for mesothelioma victims will help direct you to the best resources for treatment and tell you about your legal rights regarding mesothelioma.
