Mesothelioma - The Tests Used For Diagnosis

Cancer is a word that will scare even the bravest of folks. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure and is, fortunately, fairly rare. In this article, we take a look at the tests used for diagnosing it.

Unless you like reading Grey's Anatomy, you probably aren't aware of the significance of the name of this cancer. Mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the Mesothelium. Huh? The Mesothelium is a lining that surrounds the chest and abdomen cavities as well as the organs. There is a lubricant in the lining that allows the organs to move about without injury. Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth in this lining.

Testing for Mesothelioma is fairly difficult. The cancer can take 15 to 40 years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The preliminary test is nothing more than the chest x-ray you get with your yearly checkup. The x-ray can reveal abnormal growths. It rarely conclusively shows Mesothelioma, but does give the physician a heads up that further investigation is needed.

The next test used to diagnose the condition is a Cytology test. This is done by taking out fluid in the Mesothelium lining. It is then analyze in a lab in an effort to determine if any malignant cells are present. This test is starting to be used less often by physicians. Why? It is notoriously inaccurate!

Now we start getting to the serious tests. The first is known as a needle biopsy. In this test, a needle will be inserted into what appears to be the area of concern. A small amount of material is then removed and sent to the lab for analysis. This is a direct test of the area in question and usually reveals conclusively what is going on. If the area in question is not readily available to a needle, the biopsy may be done as a full surgery where the area is opened up and a sample is taken.

One of the things people constantly complain about when it comes to cancer diagnosis is the lack of a definitive answer. Every test suggests something, but few definitely indicate anything. The same frustration holds true for Mesothelioma. Until you have a biopsy done, you'll never really know if you have this form of cancer.

By Thomas Ajava