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The diagnosis of mesothelioma

Depending on the type of mesothelioma and the clinical presentation, there are several samples that may independently or collectively be examined to establish a diagnosis of mesothelioma . By optimising sampling procedures, the clinician can greatly influence and enhance the pathologist’s ability to offer a definitive diagnosis. Although thoracoscopic wedge biopsies – and even open biopsy via thoracotomy – are sometimes required to establish a diagnosis of mesothelioma, there are several less invasive forms of sampling which may be diagnostic in some settings.

diagnostic pathway. (After Henderson et al., Malignant mesothelioma, Hemisphere, 1992.)

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