Other tests for pleural mesothelioma

We discuss some other tests that may be used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma.

Learn more about:

• Pet scan
• Molecular tests and special stains
• Diagnosis from fluid samples

PET scan 

A PET (positron emission tomography) combined with a CT scan may be used to see how far mesothelioma has spread. It is usually available at major hospitals.

How it’s done – A small amount of radioactive glucose solution is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. You will sit quietly for 30–90 minutes as the glucose solution travels around your body. You then lie on a table that moves through the scanning machine very slowly. Cancer cells take up more of the glucose solution than normal cells, so they show up brighter on the scan. This test is painless.

Molecular tests and special stains 

To confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the pathologist sometimes needs to do further tests on the tissue sample. These are known as molecular tests and special stains. They look for specific molecules that help to tell mesothelioma apart from other types of cancer.

Diagnosis from fluid samples

Sometimes a fluid sample may be used to help make a diagnosis of mesothelioma – particularly if you are not well enough to have a biopsy. In this case, fluid is collected at the same time as draining the pleural or peritoneal cavity.

It can be hard to diagnose mesothelioma from these fluid samples, because abnormal mesothelioma cells often look similar to other cells. To be as accurate as possible, this technique should be done at a specialist centre. This is because a large volume of fluid must be collected, and the results have to be combined with information from an x-ray and CT scan.

→ READ MORE: Staging and prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma

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