Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

A major question regarding mesothelioma is how is it diagnosed? Diagnosing the disease is a fairly extensive process that combines physical examinations as well as a review of one’s medical history and history of exposure to asbestos. The following include techniques for preliminary testing for the disease.

Imaging

Imaging tools and techniques play a key role in properly diagnosing mesothelioma. Although a biopsy or fluid testing is required for confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis, imaging is a way to determine the need for further testing. Common methods include x-raying, MRI’s, CT scans and others.

CT (Computed Technology) Scanning- CT scanning is a way to identify pleural effusion, calcification, or other build up or disease invasion.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - An MRI can detect tumors and lymph node enlargement with more accuracy than CT scans because of its ability to image more than one plane.

X-Ray- An x-ray is often used to determine whether there is a build up of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity. It may also show evidence of scarring or masses related to asbestos disease.

PET (Position Emission Tomography) -PET scanning is a way to look at the body’s functions, organs and tissues from a chemical view to test for malignant disease. Combined or integrated as a single test, CT and PET scans are considered especially valuable for determining the stage progression of cancers to help determine the best treatment options.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of fluid or tissue for testing. It is the necessary final stage in confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis. When performing a pleural biopsy (thoracscopy) the surgeon makes an incision to insert an instrument called a thoracoscope into the chest to remove a sample of tissue. For a peritoneal biopsy (peritoneoscopy), the incision is made in the abdomen and the instrument inserted is the peritoneoscope.

Pathological Examination

A pathologist is who performs testing of the biopsied tissue. Pathology is defined as the study of fluid, tissue, or cells removed from one’s body, and is the most affirming part of diagnosing mesothelioma. It not only helps to confirm a diagnosis, but also determine whether one’s cancer is localized or spread throughout other areas of the body.

When confirming a specific cancer diagnosis, the pathologist must rule out the possibility of one’s condition being another form or something else. For mesothelioma, immunohistochemistry is used to identify markers that distinguish one type of cancer from another.