mesothelioma information & research on mesothelioma diagnosis
Early diagnosis of Mesothelioma is of great importance in dealing with this disease. Its symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other diseases so it is vital that you share your background of workplace environment, asbestos exposure potential, and your medical history.
The first step in a Mesothelioma diagnosis is typically an x-ray of the chest or abdomen. A CT scan or MRI may be performed as well. Note that Mesothelioma itself cannot be seen on an x-ray but the collection of fluid caused by a tumor can be picked up. This pleural effusion warrants a clinical follow-up.
The doctor may wish to have a look inside the chest or abdomen with a thoracoscope or a peritoneoscope. These examinations are done under local anesthetic. If abnormal tissue is found at this time, then a sample of it would be reviewed under a microscope to determine if there are cancer cells involved. This procedure is called a biopsy.
Although a Mesothelioma diagnosis is quite serious, there are a variety of asbestos cancer treatment options available, both conventional and alternative. Other factors, such as the size of the cancer, its location, and the patient’s response to treatment, will affect the prognosis or chance of recovery.
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