CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient

CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient
The image to the left is a CT scan of a patient that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This coronal section shows the follow parts of the body with the mesothelioma indicated by yellow arrows. The collection of fluid (central pleural effusion) is indicated with a yellow *.

1. right lung
2. spine
3. left lung
4. ribs
5. descending part of the aorta
6. spleen
7. left kidney
8. right kidney
9. liver

CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient

Mesothelioma Pictures

Laparoscopy of the Abdomen for Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A laparoscopy will be conducted if the suspicous area is in the abdomen. During a laparoscopy, a doctor will insert a special instrument into the abdominal cavity via a small cut. More extensive surgery may be necessary if a laparoscopy procedure can not produce enough tissue for analysis.

Laparoscopy of the Abdomen for Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon
CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient

Positive or Suspicious Cytology

Positive or Suspicious Cytology

During the diagnosis process, if the cytology is positive or suspicious, a biopsy will be needed to determine if mesothelioma is present. A pathologist will examine a sample of tissue (that has been removed by a doctor) under microscope. 

Depending on where the suspicious area is located, a biopsy may be done in different ways. During a thoracoscopy of the chest, the doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and will put a narrow, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between the ribs. A thoracoscopy will allow the doctor to see inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.