Diagnosis of mesothelioma starts with a good review of medical history, finding about the exposure to asbestos and a thorough physical examination.
X-rays can reveal thickening of covering membranes around lungs and presence of fluid in the lung linings. CT-scans can show the degree of involvement of lungs and abdomen.
Biopsies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. If the lungs are involved, biopsies are taken by thoracoscopy in which doctor passes a tube through a small opening of the chest wall and collects biopsy samples. Abdomen is accessed by a similar procedure on tummy wall, known as peritoneoscopy. These specimens are examined under microscopes to know the nature of the lesion.
Which other organs are affected with mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can spread to near by organs like heart, bowel and surrounding organs. It can also spread to distant organs via lymphatic circulation.