What Are The Key Components Of Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma?
First, a high-index of suspicion is necessary after taking a thorough history of the patient, their symptoms and past exposures. Secondly, a chest x-ray will likely display pleural effusion and/or generalized thickening of the pleural tissue. Chest x-ray abnormalities should prompt further imaging studies including CT scan or MRI of the chest. These will then display the possiblility of mesothelioma as a diagnosis. At this juncture, a bronchoscopy may be an option. However, the definitive diagnosis can only be made with an actual tissue sample via biopsy. This is often done through a thoracoscope. Other methods of tissue biopsy include open biopsy and needle biopsy. Tissue biopsy is superior to fluid sampling.
