Screening is the use of tests or examinations to detect a disease in people without symptoms of that disease. For example, the Pap test is used for cervical cancer screening. Because Mesothelioma usually spreads beyond the lungs before causing any symptoms, an effective screening program for early detection of Mesothelioma could save many lives.
Use of chest x-rays and sputum cytology (checking phlegm under the microscope to find cancer cells) was tested several years ago. Most studies concluded that these tests could not find many Mesotheliomas early enough to improve a patient's chance for a cure. For this reason, Mesothelioma screening is not a routine practice for the general public or even for people at increased risk, such as smokers.
Imaging tests:
Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of the body. Several imaging tests are often used to find Mesothelioma and determine where in the body it may have spread.
A chest x-ray is done to look for any mass or spot on the lungs. Computed tomography (CT scan) will provide more precise information about the size, shape, and position of a tumor, and can help find enlarged lymph nodes that might contain cancer that has spread from the lung. CT scans are more sensitive then a routine chest x-ray in finding early Mesotheliomas. This test is also used in detecting masses in the liver, adrenal glands, brain and other internal organs that may be affected by the spread of Mesothelioma . The CT scan involves a special machine that rotates around the body taking x-ray pictures from many angles. A computer then combines their pictures into a very detailed cross-sectional image.
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