Difficulty in Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma is frequently a difficult diagnosis because symptoms are similar
to a number of other conditions. The mesothelioma diagnosis is most often
obtained with careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings in
addition to a confirming tissue biopsy. A review of the patient's medical
history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete
physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests in reaching the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A
CT scan or MRI may also be done to obtain a mesothelioma diagnosis. If any of these preliminary tests
prove suspicious for diagnosing mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm the
mesothelioma diagnosis.
Pathology or the scientific study of cells, tissue, or fluid taken from the body
is an integral part of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
To make a diagnosis of mesothelioma, pathologists examine tissue under a microscope and based on
established criteria, make a determination of benign vs. malignant cells.
Thusly, the type of cancer is determined. Although most pathologists have a
general expertise of various diseases, a small number acquire training in a
sub-specialty, such as mesothelioma diagnosis.
Most hospitals have their own pathology labs staffed by board-certified
pathologists and licensed technologists. If the difficult diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, the
doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Mesothlioma staging involves
more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and,
if so, to which parts of the body. The course of treatment is dependent upon an
accurate diagnosis and knowing in which stage the mesothelioma cancer is.
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.
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Do you
need to consult an expert mesothelioma lawyer? Monheit Law is standing by to
review your case. Contact us today.
