Mesothelioma New blood test for mesothelioma developed
New blood test for mesothelioma developed.
Scientists have
developed a relatively simple blood test for mesothelioma, a highly aggressive
lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The Mesothelioma Web has information
on diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma New blood test for mesothelioma developed |
August 13, 2004 --
Scientists have developed a relatively simple blood test for mesothelioma, a
highly aggressive lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The Mesothelioma Web,
http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/, has information on diagnosis and treatment of
mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma has
traditionally be a difficult diagnosis. Although general practitioners and
internists sometimes make the diagnosis, they almost always refer patients to
oncologists for a confirming diagnosis and for treatment. Oncologists sometimes
further refer patients to doctors who specialize in mesothelioma. The treatment
program for mesothelioma depends on many factors, including: the stage of the
cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer
cells look under the microscope and the patients age and desires.
The oldest staging
system and the one most often used is the Butchart System which is based mainly
on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread,
lymph node involvement, and metastasis. The Brigham System is the latest system
and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically
remove) and lymph node involvement.
Butchart System
extent of primary tumor mass
- Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
TNM System --
variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), M (metastasis)
- Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
- Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
Brigham System:
(variables of tumor resectability and nodal status)
- Stage I: Resectable mesothelioma and no lymph node involvement
- Stage II: Resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
- Stage III: Unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph node involvement
- Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease
The Mesothelioma
Web, http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/ , is the Internets best resource for
diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma, a form of cancer cause by asbestos
exposure.
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