Biphasic Cancer - Thoracoscopy

Diagnosis

To determine whether a person has mesothelioma, doctors may use one or more of these diagnostic methods:

Chest X ray
CAT scan - CT or Computerized Tomography
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PET scan - Positron Emission Tomography
PFT - Pulmonary Function Test
Transbronchial biopsy - A flexible, lighted scope is passed down the trachea to the bronchi area of the lungs.
Thoracotomy - During surgery, the chest is opened and examined, usually between two of the lower ribs on one side.
Thoracoscopy - A thoracoscope with a video camera is sent through an incision between the ribs.
Centesis - Pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial fluid is drained and evaluated. This technique is used both for diagnosis and to relieve pressure, pain, and fullness in the chest or abdominal areas.

A malignant mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed by a histopathologist. Malignant mesothelioma can have an epithelioid cancer, sarcomatoid cancer or biphasic cancer cell formation. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common of the three.