How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often
difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of
other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's
medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete
physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest
or abdomen and lung function tests.
A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A
CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body
created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful
magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas
inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also
be printed.
A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes
in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for
examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done
in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located.
If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform
a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through
the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope
into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to
look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.
If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform
a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes
a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called
a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do
not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be
necessary.
If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will
want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves
more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has
spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of
the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer
is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified
as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface
to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest
wall, or abdominal organs.
About the Author
Alan Allport is Webmaster of http://www.asbestos-cancer.best-gen.com
a site that specialises in giving the very best information on asbestos
cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma
