Description
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that involves the membrane around the lungs. The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Men are more likely than women to develop this type of cancer presumably due to their greater occupational exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms
Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis may be suspected after a chest x-ray or chest CT scan is performed. If there is fluid around the lung, a sample may reveal cancerous cells. Otherwise, a biopsy will usually be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis may be suspected after a chest x-ray or chest CT scan is performed. If there is fluid around the lung, a sample may reveal cancerous cells. Otherwise, a biopsy will usually be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Treatment
Treatment is based on the size and spread of the cancer. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.