Radiological Tests
Many mesothelioma patients will be referred to a radiologist during the diagnostic process and again during treatment. Radiologists are specially trained to diagnose patients through the use of medical imaging scans. In the past, radiology was generally limited to the use of x-ray machines, and chest x-rays may still provide helpful information. But now radiologists also use other medical imaging tests, including CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasound, in addition to traditional x-rays. To study the heart, physicians may also use an echocardiogram. Each of these diagnostic tools employs a different type of technology to render one- or two-dimensional images of the inside of the human body. These images, or scans, pinpoint the location of bones, organs, and solid masses, or tumors.
The radiologist begins by consulting with the patient’s other physicians, reviewing the patient’s medical history, and consulting with the patient to discuss options before ordering diagnostic imaging tests. Generally, the radiologist does not personally perform the imaging scans. This is done by radiology technicians, who set up the machines and scans according to the radiologist’s instructions. After the tests are complete and the images have been generated, then the radiologist will read and interpret the images to reach a diagnosis and determine the stage of development.
Once a diagnosis is made, the radiologist and other doctors on the medical team will chart a course of treatment. The results of the scans provide the physicians with vital information about the size of the tumor, its exact location, and whether the tumor has spread to other organs. All this information is critical in deciding upon the best treatment.
These types of medical imaging tests may even be repeated during the treatment process. The radiologist may order scans periodically during a patient’s treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to determine whether any tumors have shrunk or disappeared. Scans may also be performed at intervals after surgery, to allow the radiologist to see whether any tumors have reappeared following surgical removal.
Within the specialty of radiology, there are even further specialties. Some radiologists focus on diagnostic radiology of the chest, which would involve the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. A gastrointestinal radiologist would be more likely to work on a case of peritoneal mesothelioma, where the tumor occurs in the abdominal cavity. Radiologists also specialize according to the type of diagnostic machine they use. Some radiologists concentrate on the use of Computed Tomography (CT scans), while others specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs).
The added levels of specialization make it likely that one mesothelioma patient will be referred to two or three different radiologists during the diagnosis and treatment process. One specialist might participate at the diagnostic phase before a diagnosis of mesothelioma is confirmed. During treatment, another radiologist might be called in to administer radiation, given that doctor’s specialty in medical imaging that concerns one particular part of the body.
Usually, the radiologist will clearly explain the procedures involved and will inform the patient about the results of the medical imaging tests. Where any part of the process is unclear, however, the patient should be sure to ask the radiologist for more information.