How Mesothelioma is diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mesothelioma may pose a problem due to the similarity of the symptoms and signs with many other medical conditions, especially those of respiratory diseases. But sometimes the diagnosis can be predicted based on careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings (if accurate diagnosis is not possible, a good guess can be made).

The diagnosis of mesothelioma starts with a degree of suspicion and with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. History of exposure to asbestos is very important, as exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. A complete physical examination is done, in the beginning including X-rays of chest and abdomen and lung function tests. CT scan (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are also done and these imaging techniques are very useful in diagnosis of mesothelioma. CT scan is done by a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In MRI a powerful, magnet is linked to a computer which gives detailed pictures of areas inside the body which are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed if required.

Confirmation of diagnosis of mesothelioma:

The confirmation of mesothelioma is done by biopsy. All other diagnostic tools including CT and MRI are supplementary to biopsy. In a biopsy, a doctor (surgeon or medical oncologist) removes a sample of tissue for examination by a pathologist under a microscope.

Other tests which can be done for the diagnosis of mesothelioma are PET (Positron Emission Tomography), VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery), thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy etc.