New Diagnostic Tool May Aid in Mesothelioma Detection

At the annual conference of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization in Manhattan Beach, California, an announcement was made that a new tool had been developed to aid in early detection of asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma.

The announcement was made by Doctor Michael Harbut, who is the co-director of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI.

A new radiological technique has been developed by Dr. Carmen Endress, who is also employed at the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers. This technique enables radiologists to visualize lesions caused by asbestos in 3-D. The technique is capable of making these lesions visible much earlier than was previously possible.

The new process is executed by using images from a 64-slice high resolution CT scan, and then enhancing those images with an imaging software program.

“The benefits of this new approach include the possibility of earlier detection; better differentiation between patients with scarring on the lungs and other diseases; assistance in determining why some people who have thickening on the covering of the lungs have uncontrolled, unrelenting pain; and potentially increased success in the overall diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related disease,” said Dr. Harbut.

Harbut went on to suggest that this new imaging technique can also be used as a tool for public health and safety. Now that cases can be detected earlier, doctors may now be able to pinpoint previously undetected sources of asbestos exposure, and take action to remove people from asbestos release locations.

Another added benefit of the clarity of the images from this new technique will be found in courtrooms. With a cleaner image to work from, it will be easier to review x-rays for a patient and determine if their health issues are due to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma treatment options have advanced significantly in the last decade.