How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Chest x-ray is the gold standard test in preliminary diagnosis of a pleural effusion, however, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans are also used. After the preliminary diagnosis of a pleural effusion has been established, sampling of the fluid in the pleural cavity is necessary to proceed with any further diagnoses. Sampling of the fluid within the pleural cavity is called thoracentesis. However, only 15% of thoracentesis performed actually result in a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma. If after performing thoracentesis, a diagnosis can’t be made, a biopsy may need to be performed. Two types of biopsies are used, needle biopsy and open biopsy. A needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia with a large hollow needle that is placed into the pleural cavity through the skin extracting a small amount of tissue. An open biopsy is performed under general anesthesia where a surgeon removes a larger area of tissue. Open biopsy is the most precise test in diagnosing mesothelioma.