Mesothelioma Biopsy

During the course of a mesothelioma diagnosis, physicians often turn to biopsies to detect the presence of mesothelioma. This surgical procedure helps identify cancerous cells in tissue samples extracted through one of several methods:

• Incisional or core biopsies are used when the cells are easy to reach, removing a small part of the tissue in question.
• Excisional biopsies are used in cases where the cells are in a location that makes access difficult, as is often the case with mesothelioma. Doctors often remove the entire affected area to eliminate the need for a second complicated surgery if the tissues are proven to be cancerous.
• Needle aspiration biopsies (also known as aspiration cytology or fine needle aspirations) are preferred for their safe and quick nature, using a long, hollow needle to extract a sample for testing.

After Extraction

Once cells are removed, pathologists with special training in diagnosing diseases will examine the cells under a microscope. Typically, a sample is treated with dye to make the cells more visible and then they are sealed in a microscope slide. The pathologist will use the cell’s visible features to determine if the cell is cancerous. Abnormal cell growth is indicative of mesothelioma and details in the cellular makeup can identify the specific disease.

The margins of the cell can also be examined to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. “Negative margins” indicate that the cancer was contained, while “positive margins” mean metastasis was highly likely. Additional tests such as X-rays may be used if doctors are concerned that the cancer has spread.