Blood tests can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma but are not definitive. A combination of imaging tests, biopsy, and blood tests such as the mesothelioma antigen serum (S100) test, osteopontin test, and soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) test are used to diagnose the disease. However, these tests are not always conclusive, and a biopsy remains the most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma.
It’s crucial to seek the opinion of a specialist doctor and undergo multiple tests to get an accurate diagnosis.
Blood tests can be useful in diagnosing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. There are several different blood tests that can help diagnose mesothelioma, including:
- Mesothelin-related antigen (MRA) test: This test measures the level of mesothelin, a protein that is often elevated in mesothelioma patients.
- Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) test: This test measures the level of SMRP, a type of protein that is released into the blood when mesothelioma cells break down.
- HE4 test: This test measures the level of the HE4 protein, which is elevated in some mesothelioma patients.
- Nucleosome test: This test measures the level of nucleosomes, which are pieces of DNA that are released into the blood when cancer cells die.
All of these blood tests can be used to help diagnose mesothelioma, but they are not foolproof. Some patients with mesothelioma do not have elevated levels of these proteins, while some patients without mesothelioma may have elevated levels for other reasons.
In addition to these blood tests, other diagnostic tools may also be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These include imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRI scans, as well as biopsy procedures, where a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area for examination under a microscope.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, or have symptoms that may be related to mesothelioma, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in this type of cancer. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the above blood tests, along with other diagnostic tools, to determine if you have mesothelioma and what stage it is in.
In conclusion, while blood tests can be useful in diagnosing mesothelioma, they are not a definitive diagnostic tool. Other tests and diagnostic procedures may also be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. If you have any concerns or symptoms, it is important to see a doctor who can help determine if you have mesothelioma and guide you through the diagnostic process.
