Mesothelioma – Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma diagnosis is very difficult, as its symptoms are very similar to other kinds of diseases take very long time to appear 25-50 years. The diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient’s medical history, including past history of asbestos exposure.
A physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. CAT stands for computerized axial tomography and essentially means a three dimensional view of the area in question.
A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. A peritoneoscopy is performed, and if there is a reason to be concerned, a biopsy is performed. 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.
To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity.
On the other hand, if the cancer originated in the other parts of the body, but has metastasized to the lungs, it is called secondary.
In advanced stages, it spreads to other parts of the body from these areas such as abdominal organs, lymph nodes, lungs, or chest wall.