Mesothelioma qualified by PET/CT scan combo

recent article published by the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Italy, offers a combination of PET and CT may enhance the ability of providers to describe the current stages of mesothelioma. A PET scan shows the models and molecular abnormalities on a lever, while the CT provides a global map of the body's internal organs and tissues. Together, these two scans, doctors should give a thorough knowledge of mesothelioma that this would not be guaranteed by a single scan.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer considered incurable and fatal. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers, which can initiate cancerous changes in the lining of organs, if inhaled or ingested. There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma, which is specific to the lung lining and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects other organs like the heart or diaphragm filling. Both types of mesothelioma are characterized by irregular patterns of malignant tumors.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. After exposure to asbestos at home has begun to develop cancer, the disease requires a long latency period, often between twenty and fifty years. In its final phase, and the most aggressive, the signs begin to emerge. The symptoms resemble those of bronchitis or pneumonia mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose, even in its final phase. Once the appropriate diagnosis was made in life expectancy of patients is short and dark.

There are many mesothelioma treatments are available. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often given in combination to achieve the best results. Some patients who are not healthy enough to receive such demanding procedures may choose palliative care focusing on pain management and comfort. Palliative care may also include surgery to ease breathing of the patient and reduce the spread of tumors.

Recent studies suggest that a combination PET / CT allows providers to better examine each case of mesothelioma. This allows suppliers to qualify more precisely which patients are strong enough for surgery and other invasive treatments, which are not. Being able to see the other tumor models, the size and location that allows suppliers to choose appropriate treatment options for each patient. PET / CT done together are proposed as a good tool for follow-up. Providers can control the spread of metastases or infection remains without disturbing the patient and recovery.