What diagnostic tests are performed to evaluate mesothelioma?
The following are methods used to diagnose mesothelioma:
Chest X-ray – will show an abnormal fluid build-up within the pleural cavity, called a pleural effusion. Another sign may include a mass or calcification near or in the pleural lining.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan – will confirm a pleural effusion. It will also give the exact location and measurement of a mass or suspected tumor. Another sign may include thickening of the pleural lining (usually greater than 1 cm.)
Computed Tomography & Positron Emission Tomography Scan (CT/PET) – combined exams that will show the extent of the malignant disease. This is a test which evaluates the biological function of the malignancy to determine the “stage” of the disease.
Fine needle aspiration – a tissue or fluid sample is collected using a thin needle. The sample is thin viewed under a microscope to determine whether it’s malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).