Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be hard for a medical professional, since the symptoms are akin to those of many other conditions. To begin a mesothelioma diagnosis, the health care professional takes a review of the patient's medical history, which includes any exposure to asbestos. The patient will then receive a complete physical examination a diagnosis. This may include x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests.

A CAT scan or MRI may be utilized in a mesothelioma diagnosis. A CAT scan involves detailed pictures of particular areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer hooked up to an x-ray machine. An MRI involves the use of a powerful magnet linked to a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

A biopsy is may be needed to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. For a biopsy, a physician will remove a tissue sample to be examine under a microscope by a pathologist. Biopsies may be done in different ways, dependent on the location of the abnormal area.

For a mesothelioma in the chest, the doctor may use a thoracoscopy to help make a diagnosis. This procedure involves the doctor makeing a small cut through the chest wall and inserting a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. The doctor uses the thoracoscopy to view the inside of the chest and to help obtain tissue samples.

For a diagnosis of abdominal mesothelioma, a doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for diagnosis, the doctor will insert a peritoneoscope in a small opening in the abdomen for viewing the abdominal cavity. If they do not get enough tissue for a diagnosis, more extensive surgery may be in order.

If a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, the doctor may want to learn the extent of the disease through staging. Staging involves additional tests to try to find out if the mesothelioma has spread to what parts of the body. By knowing the stage of the mesothelioma, the doctor can make a better treatment plan for the diagnosis.

A diagnosis of localized mesothelioma is when the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it started. It is called advanced if it has spread to other parts of the body, like the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.