Mesothelioma

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is typically difficult to diagnose and treat, because of its uncommon nature. Symptoms like cold, cough and chest pain are so similar to pneumonia that they are often misdiagnosed.

Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. Asbestos exposure can be diagnosed through tests of urine, feces, mucus and material rinsed out of the lungs. A CT scan or MRI may also be helpful. If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

Thoracoscopy
This test is for pleural mesothelioma. A small cut is made through the chest wall and a special instrument called thoracoscope will be inserted into the chest between the two ribs. If fluid has collected in the chest, it is removed through a needle and the process is called thoracentesis.

Peritoneoscopy
It is the test for detecting peritoneal mesothelioma. A special instrument, peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen to look inside. The process of removing collected fluid is called paracentesis.

Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.