HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE MESOTHELIOMA?
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a complete evaluation of a patient’s medical history to determine symptoms and any past asbestos exposure, as will as a complete physical. In addition, physiciams may request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan or an X-ray of the abdomen or chest region to help determine the location and size of the tumor. In cases of pleural and peritoneal mesotherlioma , fluid (effusion) may collect in the chest or abdominal region. Physicians may use a procedure known as fine needle aspiration to obtain a sample of this fluid for further testing. In addition, this procedure can be sued to drain the effusion to temporarily relieve chest pain or other symptoms. Usually, a biopsy of the tumor is required to make a diagnosis, however, sometimes only a fluid sample is needed. Below are a number of procedures commonly used. Pertoneoscopy In a case of peritoneal mesothelioma the doctor will use a tool called a peritoneoscope, which will be placed inside an
