Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
To diagnose someone with mesothelioma can often be difficult because its symptoms are similar to a number of other conditions. The first step in the diagnosis usually begins with a careful review of the patients's medical history. A history of having exposure to asbestos is often the main concern and increases clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. The next step in the process is usually a physical examination and lung function tests. This is followed by chest X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI. These may reveal pleural thickening which is commonly seen after asbestos exsposure.
If there is a large amount of fluid is present, it is aspirated (removed) with a syringe and examined for abnormal cells. If there is an abscence of malignant cells after the examination of the fluid it does not completely exclude mesothelioma, but it does make it considerably much more unlikely as there are alternative diagnoses that can be made. If the examination of the fluid is positive for abnormal cells or a plaque is regarded suspicious then a biopsy, which is where the doctor removes a tissue sample and examines it under a microscope, is then needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
