Various Ways to Diagnose Mesothelioma

can be difficult to diagnose because the disease is rare, symptoms are so similar to those of other illnesses, and symptoms may not surface for many years after exposure to asbestos. For all these reasons, other options for diagnosis are usually considered first. However, mesothelioma can be diagnosed using the following tests:

• A biopsy is needed to confirm diagnosis and determine the existence of cancerous tissue.

• CT (computed tomography), also called CAT scan is an advanced type of X-rays provide very detailed images of tissue involved, its location, and size.

• PET scan (positron emission tomography) involves a small amount of radioactive substance (usually glucose) is injected into venu.Skener take detailed pictures of areas inside the body where the radioactive substance is present. Radioactive glucose allows to locate and identify the cancer cells because cancer cells use more glucose than normal cells.

• Bronchoscopy involves a tube inserted into the patient's throat to examine the lungs, trachea, and airways for signs of mesothelioma.

• thoracoscopy involves an incision in the chest, examination of the chest with a 'thoracoscope' for evidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

• Thoracentesis. Fluid that accumulates in the lungs as a result of Mesothelioma is extracted from the breast with a needle. This sample is tested to confirm the presence of cancer.

• fluoroscopy. X-rays are always taken the body and projected onto a small screen, allowing the doctor to view internal body tissues. Small pieces of tissue are removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

• Mediastinoscopy trial examining the center of the chest. It contains the heart, lymph nodes and blood vessels. This procedure requires no anesthesia or hospitalization, usually for only one night.

Many other tests can detect potentially mesothelioma within the body. Although the diagnosis can be difficult, appropriate examination and a thorough examination, medical history and investigate the patient's exposure to asbestos can give an accurate diagnosis.

As with any disease, early diagnosis ensures the best prognosis. Any type of mesothelioma, which remains undiagnosed it can become not only painful, but fatal. In addition, certain types of the disease can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications.