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DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because it shares symptoms with other more common illnesses. The diagnosis (of malignant mesothelioma cancer) begins with a medical history to document the patient’s symptoms and any possible asbestos exposure, followed by a complete physical examination. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT scan or an MRI may also be useful. Wile these may lead to a preliminary diagnosis, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.
If a biopsy confirms that mesothelioma is present, the doctor will next want to determine what the cancer is in...
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, chest wall, lungs or abdominal organs.
CT: A computed tomography (CT) is a special radiographic technique that uses a computer to combine multiple x-ray images into a two dimensional cross-sectional x-ray image. The CT scan allows a radiologist to see distinct aspects of the lungs and pleura to better advantage than the x-ray.
MRI: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer to create images of selected areas of the body. MRI images tend to be quite clear and are superior to routine x-ray images.
Biopsy: A surgeon removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.
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