It will usually take several days or longer to receive the results of diagnostic tests and biopsies to make a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis or pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis.
Radiological Tests
Biopsy
Although preliminary tests can provide helpful information in narrowing down a diagnosis, a final accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma requires a biopsy.
Blood Test (Mesomark)
A new blood test called Mesomark may offer the possibility of earlier diagnosis and perhaps more successful treatment for mesothelioma patients. Development of this test has been an exciting recent development in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is common for patients to seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor who specializes in their type of mesothelioma.
Preliminary Considerations for Diagnosis
Doctors typically formulate a mesothelioma diagnosis within three to six months of a patient’s first consultation.
Medical History
Biopsies
Biopsy tests are one of the most effective ways to diagnose mesothelioma. Fluid biopsies are considered to be 80 percent conclusive, while thoracoscopic biopsies provide an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis in approximately 98 percent of patients.
Incisional/Core Biopsy
Excisional Biopsy
Mesothelioma Blood Tests
Mesothelioma blood tests are currently being researched and improved among those already diagnosed with mesothelioma. The miRview Meso test is an effective tool that helps provide a diagnosis for mesothelioma patients (biopsies are still needed to confirm diagnosis). The test measures tissue-specific microRNA biomarkers from the tumor to help identify mesothelioma from other cancers.
Mesothelioma ICD-9 Code
Patients often ask the Mesothelioma Center about the meaning of the “ICD-9 code.” As a malignant tumor of the pleura, pleural mesothelioma falls under ICD-9 code 163.
esources for Diagnosed Patients
After receiving mesothelioma diagnosis, a patient will want to discuss their illness with an oncologist. The Mesothelioma Center offers a range of patient resources to support and empower patients at any step of the diagnostic or treatment process.
