The diagnosis of mesothelioma is a laborious
task.
One of the
problems with the diagnosis of
mesothelioma is that it is a rather difficult task. Why, you
may ask ? The symptoms are similar to several other ailments. Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma, for example, is
tricky because its symptoms resemble those of pneumonia.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma
commences with a review of the patient's medical history. If one was exposed to asbestos in the past then there
is a definite possibility of mesothelioma being present. The patient will undergo a physical examination, followed
by a chest X-ray. If pleural thickening is revealed during the X-ray then a CAT scan (also known as CT scan), or an
MRI will be performed. In the event that a large amount of fluid is found, any abnormal cells may be detected
by cytology (cytology is
the detailed structure of a tissue, as revealed by microscopic examination).
This fluid is removed by means
of a syringe. If the cytology reveals an absense of malignant cells this does not completely rule out the presence
of mesothelioma. In the event that the (cytology) tests are
positive then a biopsy is necessary. A sample of tissue is removed for close examination under a microscope. This
will further aid in mesothelioma diagnosis.
If the mesothelioma cancer is
located in the chest (or thorasic cavity) then a small incision is made in the chest wall, and a thin, lighted tube
called a thoracoscope inserted. This will allow the doctor to take a look inside the chest and obtain the necessary
tissue samples.
If the cancer is in the abdomen,
a laparoscopy is performed instead. More or less the same procedure (of making an incision) is performed during a
laparoscopy as well.
If the mesothelioma cancer is found only on the membrane surface where
it originated then it is known as a localized cancer.
If it has spread to other parts
of the body then it is classified as advanced.
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