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Mesothelioma Pathology

Pathology refers to the study and diagnosis of disease through the analysis of bodily fluids and tissues. Pleural mesothelioma pathology uses a biopsy sample of cancerous tissue or fluid in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Pathologists are medical professionals who observe biopsy samples under microscopes to determine what type of mesothelioma each patient has.

Pleural Mesothelioma Biopsy and Pathology

Pleural mesothelioma patients undergo a variety of medical tests that determine the location and nature of the cancer. Biopsies, one of the tests used to locate cancerous cells, collect suspected cancer cells from several different parts of the tumor site. Pathologists then evaluate these samples to determine which types of cells are malignant and which are normal.

Mesothelioma Pathology Report

Pleural mesothelioma pathology reports detail information about patient’s specific types of mesothelioma cancer. Often times pathology reports are not easily understandable. Because of this, patients should ask their doctor to better explain it. Pathology reports typically cover a wide variety of different factors that may include:

• Personal Information – The patient’s name and date of birth.
• Clinical History – A history of the patient’s medical history pertaining to the disease.
• Clinical Diagnosis – A description of the diagnosis from the doctor’s initial examination.
• Immunohistochemical Analysis – Depicts the chemical stains utilized to diagnose the cancer and contains results that help determine the diagnosis.
• Gross Description – A description of the tissue that was sampled as well as the origin.
• Microscopic Description – A description of the tissue samples from microscopic evaluations, which can contain technical language to discuss with your doctor.
• Diagnosis – This section gives a description of any microscopic findings, stating whether malignancy is present and gives a history of the cancer.

Mesothelioma Histopathology

Histopathology refers to the microscopic examination of cells to observe physical characteristics that signify the type of cancer a patient is afflicted with. Potential cancerous cells are tested using the principles of histopathology in two different ways. First, cells are observed under a microscope to establish their general makeup. Secondly, cells are tested for the presence of oncoproteins (proteins associated with cancer growth) and other molecules that are produced by specific cancer types.

When under a microscope, mesothelioma cells are distinguishable from healthy cells by their shape and differences in appearance. However, further tests are needed to determine the exact histological nature of the cancer cells. Evaluating the surface proteins will allow pathologists to determine whether or not the cells are malignant pleural mesothelioma, another type of cancer, or healthy cells.

Mesothelioma Immunohistochemistry and Pathology

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an integral part of the pathology process that deals with locating proteins in cancer cells and other abnormalities associated with them. IHC uses staining to identify proteins, which makes it easier for doctors to determine the type of cancer that has developed. Pleural mesothelioma immunohistochemistry is used to determine the histological type of mesothelioma tumors in order to create better treatment options for the patient.

Sources

1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/pathology-reports
2. http://www.ncifcrf.gov/rtp/lasp/phl/immunohistochemistry.asp