Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of mesothelioma is often obtained from a careful evaluation of clinical and radiological findings, in addition to a tissue biopsy confirmation. Some tests that your specialist may recommend and their diagnostic value and evaluation of mesothelioma are presented below.
•Computed Tomography (CT)
The scans are capable of revealing a pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible invasion of chest wall. However, the CT can not distinguish between changes associated with benign asbestos disease, or between lung adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma. The scans may also be of value to guide fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis. The scan usually takes 10-30 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.


•Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scans are often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. They provide images in multiple planes and therefore peuvnt better identify tumors compared to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT in estimating the enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes placed between the two lungs and a clear diaphragmatic surface, both having an important function for the surgical option. The MRI scan usually takes 20-40 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.

•Positron emission tomography (PET)
PET imaging is currently occupying a large part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. The PET is considered the best diagnostic of tumor sites, and the best to determine the stage of mesothelioma. PET scans are relatively new and therefore may not be available in all institutions, it may be necessary to travel to find a specialized center is one.

•The analysis of fluid
Analyze the fluid to find malignant cells has only limited diagnostic value for mesothelioma. The diagnostic thoracentesis, in which cells are extracted from the pleural cavity is commonly done when there is a suspicion of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the results are negative or inconclusive in almost 85% of tests. Even in the case of a positive result of liquid, doctors may opt for a biopsy to confirm the time that it is not at the expense of patient health.

•Analysis of tissue (biopsy)
In most cases, finally takes a needle biopsy of pleura, or surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma. When a pleural biopsy procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the chest wall and inserted into the chest between two ribs a thin lighted tube called thorascope. It will remove a sample of tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. When peritoneal biopsy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a péritonéoscope in the abdominal cavity.