How is Mesothelioma Diagnosis Determined? Are the Tests Accurate?

To diagnose your mesothelioma , you were probably recommended to undergo various tests. But a tissue biopsy is usually the ultimate determining factor. These are the tests your doctor/s may ask recommend:
• CT scans, X-rays and MRIs – CT scans can identify pleural thickening larger than 1 centimeter in more than 90% of mesothelioma cases. Thickening that extends to the interlobular fissure is identified in 85% of cases. When no pleural thickening is seen, it does not rule mesothelioma. Often, pleural effusion is the only CT findings. On standard X-ray films, mesothelioma shows as a pelural- based mass which is obviously thickened, irregular and nodular. Although rarely seen bilaterally, the tumor can often encompass the involved lung. In advanced cases, diaphragmatic, chest wall and mediastinal invasion may be identified. Usually noted on the affected area is medium to large pleural effusion. More information about the techniques is found in the imaging section.

• Cytology – For malignant cells, the test of the pleural fluid is thought to have limited significance in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Inconclusive or negative readings relate to almost 85% of the total fluid tested. Even when the fluid report is positive, still, doctors prefer to perform a tissue biopsy so long as the patient's health is not compromised.
• Needle Biopsy – This test is carried out under local anesthesia. A large empty needle is inserted through the patient's skin and to the chest cavity. The inserted needle is rotated and then it will collect samples as it is being taken out. Accuracy of this sort of biopsy in diagnosing mesothelioma is considered as 25% to 60% because the sample size is small. Local therapy of radiation is often done in conjunction with the test for the reason that tumor seeding could happen along the needle tract in almost 20% of patients.
• Open Biopsy – In diagnosing mesothelioma, open biopsy is considered as the most accurate. It provides the pathologist a bigger tissue sample that it why this is the procedure most often chosen. This is done under general anesthesia in a hospital. Like needle biopsy, local radiation may also be needed because of the likelihood of tumor seeding.

Can the Doctor who Diagnosed my Mesothelioma Treat me?
If your primary doctor is the one who gave your mesothelioma diagnosis, chances are, he will recommend a local oncologist for your treatment. The oncologist can give you the best treatment options. If he has limited knowledge of your type of mesothelioma, most likely he will refer you to a specialist. They are up-to-date, innovative centers for cancer and have a high level of patient care. These facilities will be best for you if your treatment involves if a thorough surgical procedure or a new, yet unproven drugs. You may go to a local hospital if your treatment involves an approved, conventional form of chemotherapy.