High-Resolution Imaging for Mesothelioma Staging and Diagnosis
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High-Resolution Imaging for Mesothelioma Staging and Diagnosis

High-resolution imaging is one of the most important tools for a clinician. A new report in the AME Surgical Journal shows the importance of better clinical imaging. It is key for accurate diagnosis and staging of malignant mesothelioma. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a complex disease. Mesothelioma diagnosis and accurate staging are often difficult to pin down. And the diagnosis is further complicated by different disease subtypes. Higher resolution diagnostic imaging plays an important role in diagnosis and staging. It shows tumor thickness or volumetric data. Future updates to the cancer staging system may use clinical imaging benchmarks. Importance and Use of Clinical Imaging Mesothelioma causes significant morbidity and mortality. And it remains a challenging disease to diagnose and stage accurately….

Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report
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Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report

Mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer in a new report by Radiology Case Reports. Mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive tumor of the peritoneum. Similar clinical and imaging presentations mean mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer at times. Yet, a history of asbestosis exposure is key as the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Imaging plays a key role in getting the diagnosis correct. It narrows down the diagnosis possibilities. Ultrasound-guided biopsy with histological study can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Case Report Misdiagnosis The Bangladesh National Institute of Oncology recently published a case report. A 42-year-old woman reported pelvic pain and progressive abdominal distension. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a high volume anechoic peritoneal effusion. Further investigation showed extensive peritoneal disease and bilateral ovarian tissue…

Mesothelioma Biopsies: Ultrasound Guidance Beats CT
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Mesothelioma Biopsies: Ultrasound Guidance Beats CT

A new study concludes that ultrasound guided mesothelioma biopsies are safer and just as effective as CT guided biopsies.  Italian researchers analyzed both types of guidance systems for collecting tissue samples from mesothelioma patients. They compared the diagnostic yield and safety of each method.  It turns out that ionizing radiation is not necessary for successful mesothelioma biopsies. As long as the technician is experienced, ultrasound guidance may be the better choice.  The Importance of Mesothelioma Biopsies Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but highly aggressive kind of cancer. It grows on the membrane that surrounds the lungs. By the time patients experience symptoms of mesothelioma, the disease is often very advanced.  Malignant mesothelioma can be tricky to diagnose. Mesothelioma biopsies are…