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Mesothelioma faq (diagnose, biopsy, thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy)
By | July 6, 2007
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma diagnosis is usually very difficult, and this is because its symptoms are similar to other diseases symptoms. Mesothelioma diagnosis starts with reviewing a mesothelioma patients’ medical history and any asbestos related information. A full pyhsical examination should be carried out, with x-rays of the affected region and lung tests too.
A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is also very useful in mesothelioma diagnosis.
A CT scan is a number of pictures showing details of specific areas in the body, and this is created by a computer connected to an x-ray equipment.
Using an MRI, a very strong magnet connected to a computer makes pictures showing details of specific areas in the body. These pictures are observed using a monitor and copies can be made by printing.
What is biopsy?
A biopsy is very useful in mesothelioma diagnosis confirmation. Using biopsy, mesothelioma doctors removes specimen for microscopic examination by a pathologist. The use of biopsy can vary depending on the location of the abnormal tissues.
What is thoracoscopy?
Thoracoscopy is carried out if the cancer is located in the chest region. Performing this, mesothelioma doctors will make small opening in the chest, and inserts a thoracoscope between two ribs in the chest. This allows mesothelioma doctors to view inside the chest and also remove specimens for examination.
What is peritoneoscopy?
Peritoneoscopy is carried out if the abnormal tissue is located in the abdomen. Using this procedure, mesothelioma doctors makes a small cut and puts an instrument known as a peritoneoscope into the cavity of the abdomen.
More diagnostic procedures can be carried out if these mentioned procedure did not work out well.
If there is a confirmatory mesothelioma diagnosis, the mesothelioma doctor will try to determine the stage of the cancer. This leads to anither procedure known as staging. Mesothelioma doctors do this because it helps to know what mesothelioma treatments to apply.
What are mesothelioma treatments ways?
Treatment for mesothelioma is based on where the cancer is located, the disease stage, mesothelioma patients’ age and patients’ overall health.
Treatments ways icludes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. At times mesothelioma treatments can be combined for efficiency.
Topics: Mesothelioma faq |