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Mantoux test

Mantoux test

The Mantoux test or tuberculin sensitivity test is a diagnostic test for tuberculosis. This test, also known as Piquet Test is endorsed by the American Thoracic Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The other diagostic tests for tuberculosis are Tine test and Heaf test. Since the Mantoux test makes use of purified protein derivatives (PPD), it is also referred to as PPD test. This tuberculosiss test does not indicate how long the infection has been festering or if it is in the active stage. This tuberculosis test is prescribed for persons who have abnormal chest x-rays or symptoms such as weight loss and persistent cough for many months. A Mantoux test is not recommended for those suffering from any skin conditions or allergy. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must not be subjected to the Mantoux test.

This PPD test involves injecting a dose of TB antigens into the top layer of skin on the forearm. The dose includes 10 Tuberculin units (0.2 ml) as this exposes the person to enough bacteria to mount an immune reaction in the skin. A little bump (wheal) is noticed under the skin. This area is then observed for any reaction in then next 48 - 72 hours. Reactions such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit must be brought to the notice of health professionals immediately. The results of this test must be interpreted carefully. A positive result indicates tuberculosis. There may be cases of false positives or false negative results. The signifance of the Mantoux test on those vaccinated with BCG is still controversial.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is generally noticed in people over the age of 50. Quite often it is curable especially when it is found superficially on the surface of the bladder. At its more invasive and deeper stage, Bladder Cancer can be fatal. More instances of bladder cancer have been found in smokers, in particular those who have worked with PCB plastics or commercial dye industry.

This cancer occurs almost uniformly within the transitional cells of the bladder (the type of cell which lines the bladder wall). Transitional cell cancer is also found in the kidney and the ureter (the tube which connects the kidney to the bladder) although with much less frequency.

A urinalysis that shows an increased number of white blood cells without evidence of bacterial infection can lead to suspicion of bladder cancer. Urinalysis may also be remarkable for microscopic haematuria (blood in minute quantities). A cystoscopy allows the Urologist to look inside the bladder. This procedure is done under I.V. sedation or general anaesthesia. Cancer is detected with a biopsy or tissue sample. This is where a Pathologist can help in determining the extent of invasion of the cancer.

Chemotherapy agents are injected into the bladder through a catheter. These agents could include Adriamycin, BCG and other types of chemotherapy. If the bladder cancer is in an invasive stage, radical cystectomy may be required. This means a total surgical removal of the bladder. Radiation therapy which involves high doses of x-rays to localised body parts along with chemotherapy can be succesfully used to treat patients suffering from bladder cancer. When the bladder cancer has reached an advanced stage, it is generally incurable. A nutritious cancer diet is used to supplement the treatment.