Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (Cont.)

Diagnosing Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

• Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits, exposure to asbestos, past illnesses, and treatments will also be taken.
   
• Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
   
• Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:

o The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

o The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells.

o The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.

• Sedimentation rate: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube.
   
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the pleura so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Procedures used to collect the cells or tissues include the following:

o Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. This procedure is also called a needle biopsy.