Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of several other conditions. Diagnosis begins with an overview of the patient's medical history. Earlier exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion of mesothelioma. A physical examination is carried out, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. CT (or cat) scan or MRI is usually carried out. How much fluid is present, abnormal cells can be detected by cytopathology than that of fluid aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid to the pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with paracentesis or ascitic drain and pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. Although the absence of malignant cells in cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more Unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (eg tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is considered suspicious, biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The doctor removed the tissue sample under a microscope examination by pathologie. Biopsy may be done differently depending where is the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, your doctor may perform thoracoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will make small cut through the chest wall and a thin pugs, Lighted tube called thoracoscope into the chest of two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to examine inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If the cancer is stomach, your doctor may perform laparoscopy. In order to obtain tissue examination, a doctor makes a small abdominal incision, and adds a special instrument into an abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not provide sufficient tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.