Mesothelioma
About
Mesothelioma
What is
Mesothelioma?
What cause
Mesothelioma?
Type of
Mesothelioma
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Coping
Physical
Specialists
Questions for your doctor
Support and Links
Mesothelioma research
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Diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma is not easy, many doctors are still unfamiliar
with the symptoms typically can be put down to any number of common
diseases with similar symptoms. To diagnose mesothelioma is a
difficult one because of the latency between contraction and
symptoms showing up. When it is diagnosed, it is not until decades
later when mesothelioma is in its advanced stages, and little can be
done for the patient.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is obtained with assessment of clinical and
radiological findings in addition to a tissue biopsy. A review of
the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos
exposure is taken. Along with the history, a complete physical
examination, x-rays, and lung function tests is given. To support
evidence of mesothelioma, a CT scan or MRI may also be given. If any
one of these tests provide evidences of mesothelioma, then a biopsy
will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
If collection of fluids is present in the lungs or around the heart, then
a procedure involving thin needle will be used to collect a small
example of the fluid for examination. This procedure is called
“fine-needle aspiration” may also be used to remove the
collection of fluid to relieve symptoms. |
