Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma can be a difficult and lengthy process because the sequence of interventions varies depending on clinician knowledge, skills and experience. Confirming the histopathological subtype is essential for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

If a pleural effusion is present, a fluid sample can be collected for cytology testing at the time of initial drainage. If that does not yield a result, a tissue biopsy is required. A tissue biopsy can be obtained by either CT-guided biopsy by an interventional radiologist or during Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon.^1,2

For some patients, at this point, their doctors may have suggested an asbestos-related diagnosis. For others, they will be completely naive to the possibility of a mesothelioma diagnosis.