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Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a
biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who
specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample
of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist .
A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the
abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the
doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor
makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin,
lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two
ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest
and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the
doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for
examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and
inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the
abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough
tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
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