What Are The Most Frequent Tests Performed On Patients Suspected Of Having A Mesothelioma?
The chest x-ray is the most common test for mesotheliomas. Thoracentesis is an important procedure for discovering mesotheliomas, performed by directing a needle into the chest and draining the fluid for cytology. Ultrasound or CT scanning can be used to guide needle placement and prevent perforation of vital organs.
Ultrasonography can be performed on the chest and abdomen to determine if there are effusions when there is a history of asbestos exposure. CT scans are preformed to locate masses or metastasis. PET scans are one of the most useful diagnostic imaging technologies because it reveals "hot" spots of highly metabolic areas in the body and help determine if masses are cancerous.
Body fluid cytologies can be performed on pericardial, peritoneal and pleural fluids to look for spindal cells and abnormal mesothelial cells. Complete Blood Cell counts are performed for monitoring of immunity and anemia's associated with advanced mesotheliomas. Hypoglycemia is often encountered in people with mesothelioma.
