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Diagnosis

Mesothelioma and asbestos based lung cancer

Early diagnosis provides the best chance for recovery, and proper diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. Mesothelioma has similar symptoms to various other diseases, so informing your doctor about your history of asbestos exposure is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer.

Diagnosis techniques

Medical professionals typically use a combination of the following techniques to diagnose and confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma:

  • Non-invasive techniques—imaging technology

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans
A PET scan is considered a superior imaging technology because it allows diagnosis at a cellular level. During a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive chemical is injected into a vein, and the scanner records energy changes in the cells, which a computer converts into three-dimensional images. Abnormal cellular function can indicate the presence of cancer cells.
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scans
Also called a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan, a CT is a computer connected to an x-ray machine that takes pictures from different angles inside the body to create 3-D imaging.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues. The images are clearer than X-rays or CT scan images, allowing medical professionals to more accurately distinguish diseased tissue from healthy tissue.

  • Diagnosis confirmation—endoscopy and biopsy

Confirming a mesothelioma and cancer diagnosis requires more invasive techniques than initial diagnosis. Endoscopy is a medical procedure where an incision is made and an instrument with a tube and lens is inserted into the body to photograph internal tissue. A biopsy, where tissue samples are taken, can be done during endoscopy. Afterward, tissue is analyzed to confirm cancer.

Diagnosing cancer stages

Mesothelioma is categorized by stages, indicating the extent that cancer has spread from the original lining area.

  • Stage I. Cancer is confined to the same side and area of the organ, such as the chest wall and lung, or diaphragm lining, or membrane covering the heart. Cancer has not spread to lymph nodes.
  • Stage II. Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the same side.
  • Stage III. Cancer has spread to the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary cancer.
  • Stage IV. This is the final stage where cancer has spread to distant organs.

Seek immediate legal help

Once you have been diagnosed, you should seek immediate legal help because there are time deadlines for filing a claim. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is working with a nationally recognized team of attorneys to handle your mesothelioma case successfully. We have a proven track record which includes thousands of successful product liability cases.

  • If we don't get you any money, we won't charge you a dime.
  • The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker offers free, confidential consultations with no obligation.

Call (888) 732-1347 or contact us online today. We’ll fight for you!

 

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