o Thoracoscopy. An incision (cut) is made between two ribs and a thoracoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the chest.

o Peritoneoscopy. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and a peritoneoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the abdomen.

o Laparotomy. An incision is made in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease.

o Thoracotomy. An incision is made between two ribs to check inside the chest for signs of disease.

* Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.

* Cytologic exam: An exam of cells under a microscope (by a pathologist) to check for anything abnormal. For malignant pleural mesothelioma, fluid is taken from around the lungs. A pathologist checks the cells in the fluid.


After is malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests will be performed in order to determine the stage of the cancer.

Treatment Options for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment options may include:


* Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
* Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation)
* Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy).

Labels: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma