Category: Diagnosis

Researchers with the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute say they have identified a pattern in microRNA (miRNA) that when present in blood can lead to diagnosing lung cancer two years before CT scans can detect it.  Early detection of pulmonary cancers such as …

Pleural mesothelioma, an unusual form of cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, often has a complex growth pattern resulting in metastasis, leading to the diagnosis of a secondary cancer. Mesothelioma is diffuse and spreads throughout the body by entering the blood stream or the lymphatic system.   It is rare that “in situ” mesothelioma, …

The American College of Chest Physicians’ website current Case Puzzler presents the case of a 70-year old woman with no history of occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, fibers, or fumes, who is diagnosed with malignant epitheloid mesothelioma. Her physicians determined that she was a victim of “bystander asbestos exposure” from asbestos dust brought home …

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. The latency period can be as long as 50 years. …

Prior research has identified osteopontin (SPP1) as a potential tumor marker for malignant mesothelioma, as well as for other cancers, but little is understood about the biological activity responsible for this function. Molecular analysis of osteopontin has identified three specific isoforms of the protein, which are known as SPP1-A, SPP1-B and SPP1-C, but the relationship …

Researchers at Stanford University are developing a set of tests for diagnosing cancer that could lead to less invasive diagnostic methods, as well as more accurate results. Cancer is traditionally diagnosed with a tissue biopsy, where a doctor removes a selection of tissue and searches through the sample for evidence of cancerous cells. Biopsies are …

Source: Rosetta Genomics Rosetta Genomics has recently announced the availability of miRview(TM) meso, a new test for diagnosing mesothelioma that it developed using its proprietary microRNA-based technology. The new test provides precise differentiation between malignant mesothelioma and the various forms of lung cancer by identifying molecular differences between the two cancers. This is an important …

Source: Annals of Thoracic Surgery Lymph node status is an important indication of disease spread and treatment prognosis for patients with pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, just as it is for patients with other forms of cancer. Patients who present with lymph nodes that are negative for cancerous invasion are considered early stage patients and …

Source: Histopathology An early diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the most important aspects of maximizing a patient’s prognosis. A number of studies have correlated early diagnosis with enhanced survival time, so the identification of the most efficient diagnostic technologies is an important aspect of contemporary mesothelioma research. Physicians have developed a number of biopsy …