How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is difficult and in most cases the first obvious sign is sudden breathlessness caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space - a pleural effusion. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain. Scans and X-rays can provide strong evidence to support the diagnosis especially coupled with a history of asbestos exposure. However, other diseases can produce these symptoms and to be certain of a correct diagnosis more investigations often need to be carried out.

Scans, Fluid taken for laboratory examination, possibly needle biopsy or keyhole surgery to take a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) are likely to be carried out to help with the confirmation of the diagnosis. These tests and results may take several weeks to complete.

How Common is Mesothelioma

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the US each year. mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
 

Staging of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs

Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma (also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ Mesothelioma) is a form of cancer, which affects the thin membranes which line the chest (pleural mesothelioma). Less commonly it can affect the linings of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It may also surround the organs found within these cavities for example the heart, lung and intestines. How is Mesothelioma diagnosed? Early diagnosis is difficult and in most cases the first obvious sign is sudden breathlessness caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space - a pleural effusion. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain. Scans and X-rays can provide strong evidence to support the diagnosis especially coupled with a history of asbestos exposure. However, other diseases can produce these symptoms and to be certain of a correct diagnosis more investigations often need to be carried out. Scans, Fluid taken for laboratory examination, possibly needle ...