Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnosing Mesothelioma as the symptoms of Mesothelioma are similar to some of the other conditions. The doctors begin diagnosis by reviewing the medical history of the patient. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for Mesothelioma. The doctors perform a physical examination, followed by lung function tests and the chest X-ray. The X-ray may disclose pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of Mesothelioma. The doctors usually perform a CT scan or MRI scan for diagnosis the Mesothelioma. Abnormal cells may be detected by aspirating the fluid by a syringe if a large amount of fluid is present. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude Mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. heart failure, tuberculosis).

If a plaque is regarded or cytology is positive as suspicious the doctors perform a Biopsy test to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A sample of tissue is removed by the doctor for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A Biopsy test may be done in different ways. It depends on where the abnormal area is located.

A Thoracoscopy may be performed if the cancer is in the chest. In this procedure a small cut is made by the doctor through the chest wall and then a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope is put into the chest between two ribs. From this the doctor can look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. A Laparoscopy surgery may be performed by the doctor if the cancer is in the abdomen. A small incision in the abdomen is made and then a special instrument is inserted into the abdominal cavity by the doctor to obtain tissue for examination. More extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary if these procedures do not yield enough tissue.