Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Steps in Getting a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

There are a series of methods to obtain a mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a series of clinical and radiological tests. A confirmed tissue biopsy is also used for a mesothelioma diagnosis. In addition to these, the patient’s medical history is reviewed, especially for previous exposure to asbestos. A physical examination is given. X-rays of the chest and lung function tests are performed. If necessary a CT scan or MRI can be done to provide further information for the diagnosis. A biopsy may be performed if any of these tests cause a concern for mesothelioma.

If a person there is a possibility that a person has been exposed to asbestos then imaging techniques may be used to assess the presence of mesothelioma. These tests can help to assess the possibility of cancer, but cannot be a definitive mesothelioma diagnoses. There are several types of imaging methods that are used. A chest X-ray will show if there is fluid build up in either the right or left lung. Sometimes the X-ray may reveal a mass. Any asbestos-related conditions are noted. A CT scan is another type of imaging that may be performed. Other types of imaging include MRI and PET, Positron Emission Tomography.

Obtaining a needle biopsy of any mass that is in the lungs can also be used in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Fluid surrounding the lung may also be examined for the diagnoses. Fluid diagnosis is sometimes unreliable because it is difficult to determine cell types from these. A surgeon can perform a pleural biopsy. In this kind of procedure, the surgeon inserts a lighted tube into the chest in order to remove a sample of tissue. Once this sample has been obtained, a pathologist will review it. A second kind of biopsy, peritoneal biopsy, the surgeon inserts a similar lighted scope into the abdominal cavity. A pathological examination must be done to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis when imagining tests have caused suspicion.

A mesothelioma diagnosis may be hard to obtain because the disease is so rare. The early symptoms of the disease are common of other complications as well which also adds to the difficulty. Make sure to tell your doctor you have been exposed to asbestos when you are making a visit.