Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Your doctor may employ a number of resources to accurately diagnose mesothelioma, beginning with a discussion of your medical history, followed by a complete physical examination including X-rays of the chest and lung function tests.

Further tests may include a CT scan, an MRI, a bronchoscopy, and finally, for complete confirmation, a biopsy. These methods will also be used to stage, or determine the progression of, the disease.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that uses a computer to generate three-dimensional, cross-sectional images of the body. In some cases, a CT scan can show diseased tissue and other affected areas that conventional X-rays may miss. CT scans are frequently used in mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment to pinpoint the location of cancerous cells in the body. A CT scan is also known as a computed axial tomography scan, or CAT scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an imaging technique used to create detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the inside of the body. Using radiofrequency waves, powerful magnets, and a computer, MRI systems are able to distinguish between normal and diseased tissue. Thus, MRI plays an important role in mesothelioma diagnosis and staging.

Bronchoscopy

An endoscopy procedure in which a thin, lighted tube connected to a camera (bronchoscope) is inserted through the mouth or nose to examine the bronchial path, including the trachea (windpipe), bronchi (tubes inside the lungs), and lungs.

Bronchoscopy is often used to look for signs of mesothelioma and/or to perform certain treatment procedures (e.g., brachytherapy). Some specific bronchoscopy procedures include "white light" bronchoscopy, autofluorescence bronchoscopy (or "blue light" bronchoscopy), and navigational bronchoscopy (which uses both advanced imaging techniques and electromagnetic navigation).

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

A sophisticated nuclear scanning technique used to create detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body. The PET scan can be used to detect cancerous tissue and cells that may not always be found through CT or MRI.

When a PET scan is performed, the individual is first injected with a glucose (sugar) solution that contains a very small amount of radioactive material. The PET scanner is then able to "see" damaged or cancerous cells where the glucose is being taken up (since cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells) and the rate at which the tumor is using the glucose (which can help determine the tumor grade).

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