Mesothelioma Lawyer, William Kherkher

Diagnosing Mesothelioma: What is a Biopsy?

Mesothelioma typically does not show symptoms until many decades past a person’s initial exposure to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is a good idea to be examined by a doctor to ensure that you do not show signs of mesothelioma. Doctors use a variety of different methods to diagnose mesothelioma. One of these methods is undergoing a biopsy.

A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of tissue from the body in the area that is suspected to be affected by cancer. This tissue examined thoroughly using a microscope to determine whether or not the cells have been affected by cancer. By inspecting a piece of body tissue, the doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition.

Types of Biopsies

Biopsies often involve surgery, so patients are often “put under” by the use of an anesthetic. There are three different types of biopsies, including:

• Needle biopsy
• Open biopsy
• Closed biopsy

A needle biopsy utilizes a needle to collect tissue and is usually less evasive than other types of biopsies. An open biopsy involves a surgery in which an incision is made and a sample of tissue from the area is removed from the body. A closed biopsy is very similar to an open biopsy; however, the tissue is not removed, but inspected using a light and microscopic tool.

Biopsies are not the only way to diagnose cancer, but this method works best for lung cancers, such as mesothelioma. Lung cancers can often resemble each other, so a biopsy will need to be done to determine whether or not the cancer is mesothelioma.

A Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

Your condition may have been caused by someone else’s negligence, in which case you should speak with an attorney immediately. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer at Williams Kherkher today by calling 800.220.9341.