Mesothilioma Cancer Diagnosis Process
In addition to taking one’s medical history, a doctor will also perform a complete physical exam, usually including x-ray and lung function testing. If an x-ray reveals thickening of the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen, a CT (or CAT) scan and/or MRI is usually performed. Cells in the affected region may also be aspirated using a syringe and analyzed to detect abnormalities.
If this cytology or other more specific tests reveal suspicious cells, a biopsy will be needed in order to confirm a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis The precise method of biopsy will depend on what mesothelial lining is affected:
* If the suspected mesothelioma cancer is in the lungs or heart lining, a doctor will perform a thoracoscopy, whereby a doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and extracts a small tissue sample of the affected tissue.
* If cancer is suspected in the abdominal lining, a doctor may perform a laparoscopy, whereby the doctor makes a small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument to extract a small amount of tissue.
* In more rare cases, more extensive surgery may be needed.
Once a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis has been made, prompt treatment is often necessary to optimize a patient’s prognosis.
In addition to taking one’s medical history, a doctor will also perform a complete physical exam, usually including x-ray and lung function testing. If an x-ray reveals thickening of the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen, a CT (or CAT) scan and/or MRI is usually performed. Cells in the affected region may also be aspirated using a syringe and analyzed to detect abnormalities.
If this cytology or other more specific tests reveal suspicious cells, a biopsy will be needed in order to confirm a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis The precise method of biopsy will depend on what mesothelial lining is affected:
* If the suspected mesothelioma cancer is in the lungs or heart lining, a doctor will perform a thoracoscopy, whereby a doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and extracts a small tissue sample of the affected tissue.
* If cancer is suspected in the abdominal lining, a doctor may perform a laparoscopy, whereby the doctor makes a small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument to extract a small amount of tissue.
* In more rare cases, more extensive surgery may be needed.
Once a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis has been made, prompt treatment is often necessary to optimize a patient’s prognosis.
