Study: Intrapleural Air Flow Can Enhance Mesothelioma CT Scans

Researchers in Australia believe they have discovered a simple way to enhance the accuracy of CT scanning for pleural abnormalities, potentially leading to better diagnostics for mesothelioma cancer. A research team from the University of Western Australia in Perth has shown the sensitivity of CT scans — used in the diagnostic process — can be improved by creating intrapleural air flow. The discovery stems from their six test cases of malignancies, including four patients with pleural mesothelioma. Chest Journal, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, published the study in June. “This is a proof of principle paper, not quite ready to advocate for all patients yet,” Dr. Gary Lee, professor of respiratory medicine, University of West Australia, told Asbestos.com. “However, it is a very exciting step.” Earlier Diagnosis Could be Huge Improving the diagnostic process for mesothelioma is critical to finding more effective treatment options and longer survival for patients. Pleural mesothelioma typically comes with a poor prognosis. Most patients live less than 18 months after a diagnosis, which usually isn’t made until the cancer has progressed into stage 3 or 4. By the later stages, treatment options are limited and typically palliative in nature. Mesothelioma is caused by long-before exposure to asbestos. But the latency period between exposure and diagnosis can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years, allowing decades for the disease to ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news