Mesothelioma - Diagnosis

The physical exam should involve a number of imaging tests to search for suspicious cell formation. These tests may include:

X-rays as Preliminary Step in Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Chest or abdomen x-rays can reveal fluid build-up, masses, or signs of non-cancerous pleural disease.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Scan It is a special radiographic technique that uses a computer to combine multiple x–ray images into a two dimensional cross–sectional x–ray image. A machine rotates 180 degrees around the patient’s body, sending out a thin x–ray beam at numerous points. Crystals at the opposite points of the beam pick up and record the absorption rates of the varying thickness’ of tissue and bone. The computer turns the information into a detailed picture. The CT will show the location, extension, and associated lymphadenopathy in patients with Mesothelioma.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scans use a computer-linked magnet to photograph details of the inside of the body and can determine the severity of a tumor. Because they provide images in multiple planes, they are better able to identify tumors as opposed to normal structures. No preparation is needed for the MRI. Patients will simply lie on the table that moves through the MRI machine, which directs radio waves towards the body. Most MRIs last from 30 to 90 minutes and many people fall asleep during the test. This test has proven especially successful in detecting tumors in or around the lungs, which makes it especially useful for diagnosing mesothelioma.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans

use cameras and tracers to form images that indicate biological changes and detect extremely small cancerous tumors. It may be used to determine whether surgery is necessary or if treatment therapies are working. While PET scans are more expensive than other types of imaging, and are not always covered under insurance, they are now considered to be the most diagnostic of tumor sites.

Biopsy

In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to test for cancer cells. Depending on the location of the abnormal area, a biopsy can be done in different ways including:

Thoracoscopy

If the cancer is located in the pleura, a small incision will be made through the chest wall and a thoracoscope will be inserted to obtain a tissue sample.

Peritoneoscopy

If the cancer is in the abdominal cavity, a doctor will use a peritoneoscope to obtain sample tissue for further examination. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Biopsies of the pleural lining, nodules, masses and pleural fluid can now easily be obtained using this minimally invasive procedure, and other therapies such as pleurodesis (talc) for pleural effusions can be done concurrently. While the patient is under general anesthesia, several small incisions or “ports” are made through the chest wall. The surgeon then inserts a small camera, via a scope, into one incision, and other surgical instruments used to retrieve tissue samples into the other incisions. By looking at a video screen showing the camera images, the surgeon is able to complete whatever procedures are necessary

Mesothelioma Research - Table of Contents

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