Mesothelioma (cont.)
How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?
An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later and in some cases, as much as 70 years later.
How long does it take after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to show up?
People exposed in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological
examination from a biopsy. Tissue is removed, placed under the microscope,
and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis and issues
a pathology report. This is the end of a process that
usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the
doctor: a fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusions), shortness
of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in
the abdomen. The doctor may
order an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If
further examination is warranted, the following
tests may be done:
- Thoracoscopy
For pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital using a local anesthetic or painkiller.
If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body
by putting a needle into your chest and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is
called thoracentesis.
- Peritoneoscopy
For peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special
tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the
abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your
body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid.
This process is called paracentesis.
- Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut
out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during
the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.
Unfortunately, in some cases, tumor cells can grow along the tract where the biopsy is taken. This can be minimized with the use of radiation to the area.
Next: What is the prognosis for mesothelioma? »
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