Low-Dose CT for Mesothelioma May Detect Other Asbestos-Related Disease
Low Dose Computed Tomography may help detect parenchymal lung diseases, abnormalities in the lungs that may result from the same risk factors that cause lung cancer or mesothelioma. Researchers at the University of Toronto recently tested the technology in people with a long history of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the two most dangerous, though not the only, lung-related illnesses that can result from exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Because of the shape of these fibers, body tissues cannot expel them and the constant irritation can contribute to the development of mesothelioma in the lung lining or diseases of the lung tissue, even decades after initial exposure.
The Canadian study included 315 patients, primarily men, with an average age of 61.7 who had been exposed to asbestos on the job for an average of 26.9 years. Forty-four percent of participants who were being screened for mesothelioma or lung cancer had some kind of parenchymal finding, indicating disease in the lung tissue. Like people who develop mesothelioma, participants who had these "parenchymal manifestations" were more likely to be older (average age of 65.3) and have longer exposure to asbestos (average of 29.73 years) compared to participants who had no relevant parenchymal findings.
To be included in the study, participants had to have at least a 20-year history of asbestos exposure or an indication of pleural plaques, asbestos-linked calcifications on the lining of the lungs.
Computed Tomography, which combines multiple radiographic images with computer analysis, is one of the primary methods for diagnosing malignant mesothelioma. While it does not produce the same image quality as regular CT, Low-Dose CT exposes patients to lower levels of radiation. In 2007, it was first suggested as a screening tool for mesothelioma and in 2011, it was found to reduce lung cancer deaths by 20 percent among heavy smokers on which it was used for screening.
Although mesothelioma is rare, occurring in fewer than 3,000 Americans annually, it is one of the most-aggressive cancers, often claiming lives in a matter of months. One reason the disease is so deadly, is that it often causes no symptoms until in the later stages when it is less likely to respond to treatment. The Canadian study further emphasizes the value of Low-Dose CT for detecting asbestos-linked illnesses.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the two most dangerous, though not the only, lung-related illnesses that can result from exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Because of the shape of these fibers, body tissues cannot expel them and the constant irritation can contribute to the development of mesothelioma in the lung lining or diseases of the lung tissue, even decades after initial exposure.
The Canadian study included 315 patients, primarily men, with an average age of 61.7 who had been exposed to asbestos on the job for an average of 26.9 years. Forty-four percent of participants who were being screened for mesothelioma or lung cancer had some kind of parenchymal finding, indicating disease in the lung tissue. Like people who develop mesothelioma, participants who had these "parenchymal manifestations" were more likely to be older (average age of 65.3) and have longer exposure to asbestos (average of 29.73 years) compared to participants who had no relevant parenchymal findings.
To be included in the study, participants had to have at least a 20-year history of asbestos exposure or an indication of pleural plaques, asbestos-linked calcifications on the lining of the lungs.
Computed Tomography, which combines multiple radiographic images with computer analysis, is one of the primary methods for diagnosing malignant mesothelioma. While it does not produce the same image quality as regular CT, Low-Dose CT exposes patients to lower levels of radiation. In 2007, it was first suggested as a screening tool for mesothelioma and in 2011, it was found to reduce lung cancer deaths by 20 percent among heavy smokers on which it was used for screening.
Although mesothelioma is rare, occurring in fewer than 3,000 Americans annually, it is one of the most-aggressive cancers, often claiming lives in a matter of months. One reason the disease is so deadly, is that it often causes no symptoms until in the later stages when it is less likely to respond to treatment. The Canadian study further emphasizes the value of Low-Dose CT for detecting asbestos-linked illnesses.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly.
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