Mesothelioma: Diagnosis

Medical History
The medical history of the suspected mesothelioma patients should be found out to know about possible exposure of the patients to asbestos. This should be followed up by clinical tests conducted on these patients like the x-rays of chest and abdomen and tests on lung function. Radiological tests like the MRI and CT scan also need to be done simultaneously. If mesothelioma is suspected after these initial clinical and radiological tests, the diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy. Thus the fundamental steps in diagnosing mesothelioma are doing clinical and radiological tests after taking medical history of the patient and confirming the results of the tests with biopsy.

Diagnosing Pleural Effusion
A simple chest x-ray of the patient or ultra-sonograph or CT scan can help in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The pleural effusion and the fluid amount can be determined by the doctor by a special kind of x-ray technique known as “lateral decubitus film”. However in most mesothelioma patients, the fluid tests are often negative and not indicative of the disease although the carcinogen is present. Mesothelioma can only be confirmed by surgical or pleural tissue biopsy.

Imaging
Mesothelioma is suspected in patients having the history of exposure to asbestos over a considerable period of time either due to their occupation or as secondary infection. Presence of pleural effusion also indicates mesothelioma. Various imaging techniques can be adopted to diagnose the disease but again it is through the biopsy or the fluid test that the cancer can be finally confirmed.

Diagnosis by Experts
Only a few pathologists have developed expertise to diagnose mesothelioma and diagnosing the cancer is best done by them. A correct pathological finding helps appropriate treatment of mesothelioma patients. Information about expert pathologists in the area of diagnosis of mesothelioma is available on the web. Only an accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment by doctors specializing in this form of cancer can ensure control and recovery.