Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs, abdomen, and other organs. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the mesothelium and cause damage to the cells over time. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often similar to other, less serious conditions, and because the cancer may not develop until decades after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Blood tests are one of several diagnostic tools that can be used to identify mesothelioma. While blood tests alone cannot confirm the presence of mesothelioma, they can be a useful component of a comprehensive diagnostic workup, particularly when used in conjunction with other tests such as imaging studies and biopsies.
There are several different types of blood tests that may be used to diagnose mesothelioma or monitor the progression of the disease. The most commonly used blood tests for mesothelioma include the following:
- Mesothelin: Mesothelin is a protein that is overexpressed in many cases of mesothelioma. Blood tests that measure the levels of mesothelin in the blood can help identify the presence of mesothelioma and monitor the progression of the disease. However, it is important to note that elevated mesothelin levels can also be found in other conditions, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cirrhosis.
- Fibulin-3: Fibulin-3 is another protein that has been found to be overexpressed in mesothelioma cells. Blood tests that measure the levels of fibulin-3 in the blood can be a useful tool for identifying mesothelioma and monitoring its progression. Like mesothelin, however, elevated fibulin-3 levels can also be found in other conditions, such as lung cancer and liver disease.
- Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs): SMRPs are fragments of mesothelin that are released into the blood when mesothelioma cells break down. Blood tests that measure the levels of SMRPs in the blood can help identify the presence of mesothelioma and monitor the progression of the disease.
- Cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1): CYFRA 21-1 is a protein that is often found in the blood of people with mesothelioma. Blood tests that measure the levels of CYFRA 21-1 in the blood can be a useful tool for identifying mesothelioma and monitoring its progression.
- Neuron-specific enolase (NSE): NSE is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of people with mesothelioma. Blood tests that measure the levels of NSE in the blood can be a useful tool for identifying mesothelioma and monitoring its progression.
While blood tests can be a useful tool for diagnosing mesothelioma, they are not definitive and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and biopsies. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help identify abnormalities in the lungs or other affected areas that may be indicative of mesothelioma. Biopsies, which involve taking a tissue sample for examination under a microscope, are the most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to aiding in the diagnosis of mesothelioma, blood tests can also be used to monitor the progression of the disease and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Regular blood tests can help doctors track changes in the levels of specific proteins or other markers that are associated with mesothelioma. This can help doctors adjust treatment plans and make more.
