|
Diagnosing
mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a
number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's
medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical
examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung
function tests. A CAT scan or an MRI may also be useful.
A biopsy is needed
to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical
oncologist removes
a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy
may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located.
If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this
procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin,
lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy
allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the
cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain
tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and
inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity.
If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic
surgery may be necessary.
If the diagnosis is
mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the
disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether
the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage
of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
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, lungs,
chest wall, or abdominal organs.
|
|