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Tests for Asbestos

Asbestos lung cancer is commonly known as mesothelioma, which is an aggressive cancer that can affect many organs and cavities within the body. From 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed each year with asbestos lung cancer, which is commonly caused by exposure to asbestos in someone's working environment or within a home. Pathologists and oncologists test for asbestos by using medical imaging tests, complete blood count and biopsies.

  1. Complete Blood Count

    • The complete blood count, or commonly known as CBC, is a common test used to determine how the red and white blood cells are working. The CBC will help determine the white blood cells present and the different types. A CBC with differential will give a more detailed look at the blood cells and how they are working and which ones are present. When testing for asbestos, the physician is looking to ensure that the white blood cells are working to protect from infection. A higher result of red blood cell count will inform the physician there is something wrong. This will assist the physician in determining what other tests may need to be performed.

    Bronchoscopy

    • A bronchoscopy is preformed by placing a fiberoptic bronchoscope up a patient's nose and then down the throat. The fiberoptic bronchoscope works like a video camera and is directly connected with a monitor so that the physician can see what is going on during the procedure. A patient having a bronchoscopy performed is partially sedated to ease any discomfort. During this test a physician can view the patients' lungs. During this procedure a physician can diagnose asbestos. While performing the bronchoscopy, the physician is looking for inflammation of the internal airways, bleeding, pathogens and tumors.

    Needle Aspiration

    • Needle aspiration is also referred to as a needle biopsy. Local anesthesia is used when performing the needle aspiration by inserting a needle into the lung to remove a sample of fluid. Needle aspiration is done when some other tests are not accessible such as bronchoscopy. A needle aspiration is done to diagnose abnormal fluids, masses or lesions that may be found in the lungs, kidneys, lymph nodes, liver, thyroid and abdominal masses. An X-ray may assist the physician or specialist who is performing the test.

    Thoracentesis

    • A thoracentesis is performed by an individual sitting upright and leaning on a table. During this procedure a sample of fluid that is found between the chest wall and lung is removed for testing. Thoracentesis is used to diagnose cancer. This procedure also is used to remove excess fluid so that an individual can breathe easier.

    Thoracotomy

    • A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made between two ribs from front to back. During this procedure a surgeon will remove a portion of damaged lung or diseased lung. This procedure is performed to treat lung cancer and asbestos. After the procedure, the patient will be hospitalized for between six and eight days for observation.

    Mediastinoscopy

    • Mediastinsocopy is used to examine the inside of the chest in front of the lungs. This is done by performing a biopsy with a lighted instrument known as a mediastinoscope. This biopsy is performed by inserting the scope through the neck. Patients undergoing a mediastinsocopy are partially sedated.

    Medical Imaging Tests

    • Medical imaging tests that are used for diagnosing asbestos are CT, MRI and PET scans. CTs (also known as computed tomography), MRIs (or magnetic resonance imaging) and PETs (or positron emission tomography scans) all check for nodules that may appear on the lungs. In some cases a patient will be required to swallow a radioactive substance so that the physician may better see nodules on the lungs.

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