Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most frequently obtained with careful appraisal of quantifiable and radiological findings in adding up to a confirming tissue biopsy. (Learn about typical mesothelioma symptoms.) A analysis of the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A CT scan or MRI may also be done at this time. If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm this diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is most often seen in patients with a history of smoking and asbestos exposure. The symptoms at the time of diagnosis often include pain and shortness of breath. Some patients with Mesothelioma have received monetary compensation from class action lawsuits.
Thoracoscopy: Sometimes there is no pleural fluid, or the pleural fluid does not give enough information to make the diagnosis. Physicians can do a thoracoscopy in those patients. A thoracoscopy allows the surgeon to place a camera in to the lining of the lung to directly visualize the mass and take a pleural biopsy to make the diagnosis.
A lot of people working for asbestos manufacturing companies have been exposed to the substance which then leads to Mesothelioma. Infect, once the symptoms are detected, the patient has a maximum life span of not more than 18 months. Yes, this is a very sad fact. So who is responsible for this?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is obtained with assessment of clinical and radiological findings in addition to a tissue biopsy. A review of the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken. Along with the history, a complete physical examination, x-rays, and lung function tests is given. To support evidence of mesothelioma, a CT scan or MRI may also be given. If any one of these tests provide evidences of mesothelioma, then a biopsy will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
If collection of fluids is present in the lungs or around the heart, then a procedure involving thin needle will be used to collect a small example of the fluid for examination. This procedure is called "fine-needle aspiration" may also be used to remove the collection of fluid to relieve symptoms.
Pathologically mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis to make. A combination of rarity of mesothelioma combined with the resemblance of this cancer to lung cancer results misdiagnosis of many cases that may be mesothelioma. Pathological opinion of same tumor may different as seen by different pathologist especially when litigation and compensation issues are involved. It is to be emphasized that a substantial fraction of mesothelioma occurs in people who were never been exposed to asbestos and malignancies other than mesothelioma is common in those who have been exposed to asbestos.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may not be suspected in a person who has no history of exposure to asbestos, and a diagnosis of mesothelioma may be over-zealously explored in a person who gives history of significant exposure to asbestos. A diagnosis of mesothelioma should not be assumed just because of an exposure history to asbestos is present. It is very important to exclude other less aggressive diseases before making a diagnosis of mesothelioma because in general these may be more amenable to treatment than mesothelioma.
Non-cancerous diseases like inflammatory and reactive processes can cause changes in the mesothelial cells and can resemble mesothelioma. Accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma is also very important in cases where litigation and attorneys are involved for compensation issues.