Mesothelioma Biopsies. Patients exhibiting mesothelioma symptoms (i. e., a large buildup of fluid in the chest or abdomen) and that have a history of asbestos exposure will usually be sent for a biopsy of the fluid and/or tissue by his or her doctors. There are two primary varieties of biopsies that mesothelioma patients may possibly undergo: needle biopsies and surgical biopsies.
Mesothelioma is a disease which is characterized by an extended latency time and symptoms that often mirror those of more minor higher respiratory conditions. As a end result, the diagnosis of this sort of cancer is often delayed. Frequently, by the time that the patient is diagnosed with the sickness, it has progressed to advanced stages at which time therapeutic treatment options be limited.
This section discusses the types of biopsies that could be performed, which biopsy procedures are recommended according to where the fluid buildup is happening, and the types of information that may be acquired through biopsies to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment associated with mesothelioma.
Needle Biospy
A fine needle biopsy is considered to be a closed biopsy procedure and therefore less invasive than open surgical biopsies. Pleural biopsy is the most typical closed biopsy procedure that is completed to aid in the analysis of mesothelioma. Other types associated with closed biopsy procedures include thoracentesis as well as paracentesis. This section discusses each of these procedures in more detail which include their primary purpose, how there're performed, what to expect and any risks linked to them.
Surgical Biopsy
Surgical biopsies are open procedures and so are more invasive than the abovementioned needle biopsies. As a end result, doctors take a more conservative approach together and prescribe them when the actual less invasive biopsy procedures yield inconclusive results or whether it is indicated that it would not be safe to accomplish them. In this section, learn about the different types of surgical biopsies that are available including why there're performed, what to expect if the doctor recommends one and what the associated risks are.