mesothelioma diagnosis

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of mesothelioma and other diseases. The diagnosis of mesothelioma begin by reviewing the medical histories of patients. History of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.

The examination of physical appearance, followed by X-ray and often lung function tests. X-ray may reveal pleural thickening after exposure to asbestos increases the suspicion often seen in mesothelioma. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the rule. If a large amount of fluid, abnormal cells can be detected by cytology if this fluid aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is a pleural tap or chest drain is in ascites or ascites with paracentesis pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis and a drain. Although the absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it is much more likely, especially if another diagnosis can be made (eg tuberculosis, heart failure) may be.

If cytology is positive or plaques that are considered suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor in a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the lesion is located. If breast cancer, the doctor may thoracoscopy. In this procedure, doctors make a small incision in the chest wall, providing a thin tube called a thoracoscope into the chest of light between two ribs. Thoracoscopy can see the doctor in the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If cancer of the abdomen, the doctor may laparoscopy. In order for tissue examination, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If this procedure is not enough tissue is more extensive diagnostic operation may be necessary.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma ...