Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is typically based on these symptoms and the results of a further physical examination. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans are commonly used for diagnosis, and also help determine an appropriate treatment plan, because these procedures show whether the cancer has spread from its point of origin.
The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy needle, tissue biopsy, or both. During a needle biopsy, fluid is removed from the area and then analyzed for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy of tissue generally involves a relatively noninvasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area to be analyzed for the presence of malignant cells.
Treatment
Due to the nature of mesothelioma, it’s common that a diagnosis is not made until the cancer has progressed to a stage where curative treatment is not possible. Most treatments for pleural mesothelioma are palliative and are made to encourage the symptoms and improve quality of life for patients. Treatment options are limited to conventional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In cases where curative surgery is attempted, the patient must be healthy not to have cancer, and disease should not have spread beyond its point of origin. In such cases, part or all of a lung may be removed.
