Non-Invasive And Invasive Methods Of Diagnosis
Non-invasive:
- Comprehensive physical exam to determine general health
- Personal/medical history with regard to amount or period of exposure to asbestos
- X-rays, or a more-detailed Computed Tomographs (CTs), of the chest and abdomen to determine the extent of fluid, size and location of a tumor/mass,and rule out other cancers
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for a nonradiological look at the chest and abdomen for the above determinations
- Pulmonary function tests indicate the extent to which the lungs' capabilities have been compromised
Invasive:
- Thoracentesis to determine the composition of the pleural fluid (cloudy exudates for mesothelioma), and to rule out congestive heart disease (clear transudates); or Paracentesis of the abdomen.
- Thoracoscopy or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery(VATS) for pleural, Laparoscopy for peritoneal, or Mediastinoscopy (examine sternal lymph nodes) to view the areas, and take a biopsy to determine the cancer's origin and to rule out other types.
