Diagnosis Mesothelioma

Diagnosis Mesothelioma is found to be a difficult task for the medical professionals. The main misleading fact in the diagnosis mesothelioma for the health care professional is that the symptoms resemble to those of other conditions.

Diagnosis Mesothelioma by Imaging

Mesothelioma diagnosis begins with the close interaction with the patient’s anamnesis mainly the history of the exposure to asbestos, which is the precursor of Mesothelioma. The common diagnosis of Mesothelioma depends on the Lung function tests and X-rays of the chest (irregular thickening of the pleura) or abdomen. Diagnosis mesothelioma by imaging can be performed by the following procedures:

* Computed Tomography scan (CT scan)
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
* Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A CT Scan and MRI

Diagnosis Mesothelioma can be achieved by performing either A CT scan or MRI scan. In A CT scan, X-ray machine is going to be useful. Here, pictures of the areas inside the body is taken in a continuous manner and is easily viewed by through the computer, which is lined to the x-ray machine.

In MRI scan, the detailed picture of the internal organs can easily be viewed and is achieved by a powerful magnet connected to the computer. The detailed picture of your internal organs can easily be achieved by MRI scan by printing the results directly from the computer.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

This type of diagnosis Mesothelioma is having more advantage than the CT scan and MRI scan. In the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use both tracers and cameras to identify the biological changes in the cells and to spot dangerous neoplastic growth.Confirmative Diagnosis

“Diagnosis Mesothelioma” has been performed by so many ways and means. But Biopsy will give us a confirmative diagnosis. In Biopsy, a sample cancerous tissue will be removed from the site of infection. The site of infection is ascertained either by Thoracoscopy or Peritoneoscopy. Another modern technology called mediastinoscopy is useful in detecting mesothelioma in lymphnodes of mediastinum (lymphnode concerned with Lungs).

In Thoracoscopy, a small incision is made on the chest wall and a small, thin, lighted tube (Thoracoscope) is placed in between the two ribs. This will enable the doctor to see the affected tissue on the lung and the tissue samples may be obtained from the affected tissue to provide confirmative diagnosis Mesothelioma.

In peritoneoscopy, the physician may take a look into the abdominal area. A small nick is made in the abdomen and peritoneoscope is inserted through that nick. The required tissue sample will be obtained through this tube for conducting Biopsy. A more elaborate diagnostic surgery is being carried out, if these methods of collecting biopsy don’t prove fruitful results.

In mediastinoscopy, the surgeon inserts a lighted mediastinoscope in the incision made in the chest area to collect samples of the tissue. Mediastinoscopy is used for diagnosis mesothelioma in the lymphnodes of mediastinum. The sample tissue collected from the mediastinal area is subjected for different tests for differential diagnosis of Mesothelioma from other types of infection.

Diagnosis Mesothelioma by Staging

Diagnosis Mesothelioma helps to find out the stage of the disease. Staging diagnosis helps a lot to the health care provider to plan the treatment accordingly because the localized mesothelioma will become generalized by spreading from original membrane surface to other parts of body which includes kidney, liver, chest wall, lymph nodes and lungs.