The Patient Journey
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma can be a difficult and lengthy process because the sequence of interventions varies depending on clinician knowledge, skills and experience. Confirming the histopathological subtype is essential for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
If a pleural effusion is present, a fluid sample can be collected for cytology testing at the time of initial drainage. If that does not yield a result, a tissue biopsy is required. A tissue biopsy can be obtained by either CT-guided biopsy by an interventional radiologist or during Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon.1,2
For some patients, at this point, their doctors may have suggested an asbestos-related diagnosis. For others, they will be completely naive to the possibility of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
“I will not let mesothelioma define me”
— A patient during a Mesothelioma Support group
References
- McLean J, McCaughan BC. Diagnosis and treatment: the journey of a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Sydney: The Baird Institute; 2013. 79 p
- Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Asbestos Diseases Research Institute; Sydney: 2013.