Detecting Mesothelioma with Thoracoscopy

Date Posted: December 27, 2011

Thoracoscopy is a type of biopsy used to detect the presence of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the thin tissue covering most internal organs in the body, or mesothelium and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is categorized based on the part of the mesothelium affected. The most common form of this cancer, pleural mesothelioma, occurs in tissues surrounding the lungs, or pleura; however, it can appear in abdominal, heart and testicle tissues, as well.

Asbestos, a natural mineral, is found in the insulation, flooring and shingles of houses and buildings as well as in other products that benefit from strong, heat-resistant fibers. Asbestos minerals easily separate into tiny, dust particles that, when inhaled, can cause mesothelioma — even 10 to 60 years after a person is exposed.

You can develop mesothelioma with only brief exposure.  According to a 2011 report from the CDC, despite a reduction in the use of asbestos, it continues to be found in many structures.

Thoracoscopy, a mesothelioma diagnostic surgery, is one tool doctors use to determine whether a person has this asbestos-related cancer. This procedure begins with the surgeon making several incisions on the patient’s side. A tube-like instrument, which contains a tiny camera, is inserted into one of the incisions. This instrument, called an endoscope, allows the surgeon to get an inside view of the lungs on a video monitor. Surgical tools, inserted into the other openings, cut a tissue sample for analysis under a microscope. Additional tubes are also inserted into the chest to prevent fluid build-up. Following this procedure, surgeons use sutures or staples to seal the incisions.

If a malignancy is indicated after mesothelioma diagnostic surgery, pleural mesothelioma is assigned a stage and appropriate treatment, also a specific cell type is identified. Stage one pleural mesothelioma is localized, or only found in one part of the chest lining. In its’ second stage, however, it has likely expanded to the diaphragm or lungs. And in its third stage, mesothelioma is probably affecting other chest structures and lymph nodes. By stage four, this cancer has spread throughout the chest and to other areas of the body. Treatment options vary depending on the development stage and type of mesothelioma, but generally include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.