Sasada S, Kawahara K, Kusunoki Y, Okamoto N, Iwasaki T, Suzuki H, Kobayashi M, Hirashima T, Matsui K, Ohta M, Miyazawa T.

Department of Thoracic Malignancy, Osaka Prefectural Medical Center for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Osaka, Japan. s-sasada@hbk.pref.osaka.jp

Abstract

Background: The biopsy size obtained with standard flexible forceps (SFF) during semirigid pleuroscopy is often insufficient for pathological examination. An insulated-tip diathermic knife (IT knife) allows safe resection of a larger lesion during gastrointestinal endoscopy. We sought to validate an electrocautery pleural biopsy technique using the IT knife during semirigid pleuroscopy. We compared the diagnosis of specimens obtained using the IT knife and SFF in 20 subjects with unexplained pleural effusion, and reviewed pleuroscopic parameters such as complications, procedure time, and diameter of the specimens.

Methods: After injecting saline with lidocaine and epinephrine below the affected pleura, the lesion was incised in a circular shape with full thickness by manipulating the IT knife.

Results: Diagnostic yields from specimens obtained with the IT knife and SFF were 85% (17 of 20 cases) and 60% (12 of 20 cases), respectively. The IT knife biopsy was superior to SFF in 8 of 20 patients (malignant pleural mesothelioma in three, nonspecific inflammation in two, metastatic breast cancer in one, and tuberculosis in one). These pleural lesions revealed thickened, smooth abnormal appearances. The overall diagnostic yield for both IT knife and SFF was 100%. Median time of the procedure, from first pleural injection to specimen removal, was 21 min (range 12–92 min), and median diameter of specimen was 13 mm (range 6–23 mm). There were no severe complications during the procedure.

Conclusions: Electrocautery biopsy using the IT knife during semirigid pleuroscopy has great potential for diagnosing smooth abnormal pleura which are difficult to biopsy with SFF.

Keywords: Insulated-tip diathermic knife – Electrocautery pleural biopsy – Semirigid pleuroscope – Smooth abnormal pleura – Full-thickness pleura.

Glossary

resection

surgery to remove part or all of an organ or other structure.

pleura

(pler-uh) the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. (Pleural mesothelioma.)

lesion

(lee-zhun) a change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

endoscopy

(en-dos-ko-pee) inspection of body organs or cavities using a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

cancer

malignancy; a group of diseases typified by abnormal, generally out-of-control, cell growth.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

pleural effusion

an abnormal accumulation of fluid, usually caused by trauma or disease, in the pleural space.

De Filippo M, Onniboni M, Rusca M, Carbognani P, Ferrari L, Guazzi A, Casalini A, Verardo E, Cataldi V, Tiseo M, Sverzellati N, Chiari G, Rabaiotti E, Corsi A, Cacciani G, Sommario M, Ardizzoni A, Zompatori M.

Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy. massimo.defilippo@unipr.it

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of multiplanar reformations (MPR) during multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lung lesions difficult to access with the guidance of the native axial images alone owing to overlying bony structures, large vessels or pleural fissures.

Materials and methods: MDCT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) was performed on 84 patients (55 men and 29 women; mean age 65 years) with suspected lung neoplasm by using a spiral MDCT scanner with the simultaneous acquisition of six slices per rotation. We determined the site of entry of the 22-gauge Chiba needle on native axial images and coronal or sagittal MPR images. We took care to ensure the shortest needle path without overlying large vessels, main bronchi, pleural fissures or bony structures; access to the lung parenchyma as perpendicular as possible to the pleural plane; and sampling of highly attenuating areas of noncalcified tissue within the lesion.

Results: Diagnostic samples were obtained in 96% of cases. In 73 patients, lesions appeared as a solid noncalcified nodule <;2 cm; 11 lesions were mass-like. In 22, the biopsy required MPR guidance owing to overlying ribs (18), fissures (2) or hilar-mediastinal location (2).

Conclusions: MDCT MPR images allowed sampling of pulmonary lesions until now considered unreachable with axial MDCT guidance because of overlying bony structures (ribs, sternum and scapulae) or critical location (hilar-mediastinal, proximity to the heart or large vessels). Compared with the conventional procedure, the use of MPR images does not increase the rate of pneumothorax or the procedure time.

Keywords: MPR – MDCT – Lung neoplasms – Transthoracic needle biopsy

Glossary

neoplasm

(nee-o-plas-um) an abnormal growth (tumor) that starts from a single altered cell; a neoplasm may be benign or malignant. Cancer is a malignant neoplasm.

needle biopsy

removal of fluid, cells, or tissue with a needle for examination under a microscope. There are two types

lesion

(lee-zhun) a change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

bronchi

(bron-ki) in the lungs, the two main air passages leading from the windpipe (trachea). The bronchi provide a passage for air to move in and out of the lungs.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

tissue

a collection of cells, united to perform a particular function.

Di Salvo M, Gambaro G, Pagella S, Manfredda I, Casadio C, Krengli M.

Radiotherapy, University of Piemonte Orientale-Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.

Abstract

Introduction: Literature data show that mesothelioma cells can implant along the surgical pathway of invasive procedures such as thoracotomy and thoracoscopy. We investigated the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for preventing such malignant seeding.

Material and methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma were included in the present retrospective study. All patients underwent surgery and/or thoracoscopy for diagnosis, staging or talc pleurodesis. They were treated with electron external beam radiation therapy (21 Gy in 3 fractions over 1 week), directed to the surgical pathway after the invasive procedure. After completion of radiation treatment, 20 of 32 patients (63%) underwent chemotherapy.

Results: After a mean follow-up of 13.6 months (range 3-41) from the end of radiation therapy, no patient had tumour progression in the treated area. The treatment was well tolerated, as only erythema grade I (Radiation Therapy
Oncology Group, RTOG, scale) was noted in 11 patients. Seventeen patients died of disease with local progression after a mean survival time of 12.6 months (range 3-27); thirteen patients are alive with disease after a mean follow-up of 13.9 months (range 4-41); two patients are alive without evidence of disease after a mean follow-up of 16.50 months (range 6-27).

Discussion: The present study shows the efficacy and safety of local radiotherapy in preventing malignant seeding after thoracoscopy in patients with pleural mesothelioma although larger prospective trials are probably still needed to validate this treatment approach.

Glossary

therapy

any of the measures taken to treat a disease. Unproven therapy is any therapy that has not been scientifically tested and approved. Use of an unproven therapy instead of standard (proven) therapy is called alternative therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. For others, the main danger is that a patient may lose the opportunity to benefit from standard therapy. Complementary therapy, on the other hand, refers to therapies used in addition to standard therapy. Some complementary therapies may help relieve certain symptoms of cancer, relieve side effects of standard cancer therapy, or improve a patient's sense of well-being. The ACS recommends that patients considering use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team.

staging

the process of finding out whether cancer has spread and if so, how far. There is more than one system for staging. The TNM system, described below, is one used often. The TNM system for staging gives three key pieces of information: T refers to the size of the Tumor N describes how far the cancer has spread to nearby Nodes M shows whether the cancer has spread (Metastasized) to other organs of the body Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M give more details about each of these factors. To make this information somewhat clearer, the TNM descriptions can be grouped together into a simpler set of stages, labeled with Roman numerals. In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number means a more serious cancer.

radiation therapy

treatment with radiation to destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment may be used to reduce the size of a cancer before surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or, in some cases, as the main treatment.

oncology

(on-call-o-jee) the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

implant

a small amount of radioactive material placed in or near a cancer. Also, an artificial form used to restore the shape of an organ after surgery, for example, a breast implant.

grade

The grade of a cancer reflects how abnormal it looks under the microscope. There are several grading systems for cancer, such as the Gleason score for prostate cancer. Each grading system divides cancer into those with the greatest abnormality (poorly differentiated), the least abnormality (well-differentiated), and those in between (moderately differentiated). Grading is done by the pathologist who examines the tissue from the biopsy. It is important because higher grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly and have a worse prognosis.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

chemotherapy

(key-mo-THER-uh-pee) treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery or radiation to treat cancer when the cancer has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

Yildirim H, Metıntaş M, Ak G, Dündar E, Ergınel S.

Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey. heylul2002@yahoo.com.

Abstract

Almost all cancers can cause distant pleural metastases. However, pleural metastases of soft tissue sarcoma that constitute less than 1% of adult solid malignancy are extremely rare. It is very difficult to distinguish them form sarcomatous malignant mesothelioma on histopathological features. We report a 57 year-old man who presented to us with left chest pain and progressive dyspnea and was diagnosed to have a pleural metastases of soft tissue sarcoma by thoracoscopic biopsy.

Glossary

sarcoma

(sar-co-muh) a malignant tumor growing from connective tissues, such as cartilage, fat, muscle, or bone.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

tissue

a collection of cells, united to perform a particular function.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

Sasada S, Kawahara K, Okamoto N, Kobayashi M, Iwasaki T, Michida T, Suzuki H, Hirashima T, Matsu K, Ohta M, Ishida A, Miyazawa T.

Department of Thoracic Malignancy, Osaka Prefectural Medical Center for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Habikino, Japan.

Abstract

A 72-year-old woman was pointed out a right pleural effusion and thickening pleura on the chest computed tomography. The patient underwent semiflexible thoracoscopy under local anesthesia at the endoscopy room. The patient was placed in the lateral decubitus position, and flexible trocar was inserted with the single puncture technique. At the macroscopic findings, the parietal pleura were thickened prominently, and patchy plaques were occasionally recognized. A standard biopsy forceps hardly grasped pleura because of presence of scar, so we performed pleural biopsy using Insulation-tipped Diathermic (IT) knife. A subpleural injection of saline containing 0.5% lidokine and 0.005% epinephrine was performed for raising the affected parietal pleura with an injection needle. After a pin hole was made, the pleural lesion was incised in a circle by manipulating the IT knife, and the incised pleura were removed. Pathology revealed extensive fibrosis and epithelial mesothelioma by the
specimen. This biopsy technique using IT knife through semiflexible thoracoscopy enabled to obtain a full-thickness pleura It is thought to be useful for the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in which standard forceps are difficult to grasp.

Glossary

pleura

(pler-uh) the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. (Pleural mesothelioma.)

lesion

(lee-zhun) a change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

fibrosis

formation of scar-like (fibrous) tissue. This can occur anywhere in the body.

endoscopy

(en-dos-ko-pee) inspection of body organs or cavities using a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

anesthesia

(an-es-thee-zha) the loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness ("puts you to sleep"). Local or regional anesthesia numbs only a certain area.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

pleural effusion

an abnormal accumulation of fluid, usually caused by trauma or disease, in the pleural space.

Attanoos RL, Gibbs AR.

Department of Histopathology, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, Llandough Hospital, Cardiff, UK.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of closed and open pleural biopsies in diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Methods and Results: The autopsy study group comprised 45 malignant mesotheliomas. All prior pleural biopsy investigations were reviewed. Forty-one of 45 (91%) had had an antemortem diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. In these 41 cases, 57 prior diagnostic pleural biopsies had been performed [36 closed needle biopsies: 31 blind; five computed tomography (CT)-guided and 21 open pleural biopsies]. For definitive diagnosis open pleural biopsy yielded a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%. For definitive diagnosis closed blind pleural biopsies yielded a sensitivity of 16% and specificity of 94%. Thirty-two per cent of ‘blind’ biopsies were inadequate. CT-guided pleural biopsies yielded a definitive diagnostic accuracy of 100% (5/5). Biopsy specimen size was important in obtaining a positive definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis was attained in 75% of specimens >10 mm in size compared with 8% <10 mm in size.

Conclusions: Overall, all procedures had utility but definitive diagnostic accuracy for ‘blind’ closed pleural biopsy was low (16%), dependent on biopsy specimen size and tumour subtype. Sarcomatoid subtype malignant mesothelioma yielded the lowest diagnostic accuracy. For all subtypes of malignant mesothelioma, open pleural biopsy produced the highest diagnostic accuracy (100% sensitivity, 95% specificity).

Keywords: diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma, pleural biopsy techniques

Glossary

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

Jenkins LA, O-Yurvati AH.

OMS IV, 3500 Camp Davie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2970, USA. lojenkin@hsc.unt.edu

Abstract

Solitary fibrous pleural tumors are rare masses of mesenchymal origin that may be mistaken for mesothelioma. A positive staining of vimentin, negative staining of cytoplasmic keratin, and expression of the CD34 antigen can confirm the presence of a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. Although most tumors of this type are benign, they possess a malignant potential and thus should be excised. We report a case of a 63-year-old man who had an inconclusive biopsy of a lung lesion 15 years ago. Further testing after excision revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. A brief discussion of the clinical presentation and incidence of these tumors is included.

Glossary

lesion

(lee-zhun) a change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

benign

(be-nine) not cancer; not malignant.

antigen

(an-tuh-jen) a substance that causes the body's immune system to react. This reaction often involves production of antibodies. For example, the immune system's response to antigens that are part of bacteria and viruses helps people resist infections. Cancer cells have certain antigens that can be found by laboratory tests. They are important in cancer diagnosis and in watching response to treatment. Other cancer cell antigens play a role in immune reactions that may help the body's resistance against cancer.

tumor

an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

Karpathiou G, Argiana E, Koutsopoulos A, Froudarakis ME.

Department of Pneumonology, Medical School Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Abstract

We report the case of a 56-year-old patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma of epithelial type, who responded to second-line chemotherapy with lipoplatin plus gemcitabine. Diagnosis and staging of the disease was done by medical thoracoscopy with biopsies of the right pleura in December 2003, when he was treated with talc pleurodesis. Eighteen months later, he presented with pleural effusion of the left side and underwent first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin plus vinorelbine. After 8 cycles, the patient presented renal toxicity limiting further cisplatinum chemotherapy and disease progression with peritoneal invasion of the tumor and ascites. Treatment with lipoplatin-gemcitabine was decided on in November 2006, and the patient showed important improvement in the clinical status and peritoneal effusion. He survived for 36 weeks, with symptom-free survival of 34 weeks.

Keywords: Lipoplatin, Gemcitabine, Mesothelioma, Second-line chemotherapy, Thoracoscopy, Cisplatin, Vinorelbine

Glossary

staging

the process of finding out whether cancer has spread and if so, how far. There is more than one system for staging. The TNM system, described below, is one used often. The TNM system for staging gives three key pieces of information: T refers to the size of the Tumor N describes how far the cancer has spread to nearby Nodes M shows whether the cancer has spread (Metastasized) to other organs of the body Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M give more details about each of these factors. To make this information somewhat clearer, the TNM descriptions can be grouped together into a simpler set of stages, labeled with Roman numerals. In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number means a more serious cancer.

pleura

(pler-uh) the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. (Pleural mesothelioma.)

oncology

(on-call-o-jee) the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

chemotherapy

(key-mo-THER-uh-pee) treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery or radiation to treat cancer when the cancer has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur.

tumor

an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

peritoneal

(pair-uh-tuh-nee-al) the serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen. (More on Peritoneal Mesothelioma.)

pleural effusion

an abnormal accumulation of fluid, usually caused by trauma or disease, in the pleural space.

ascites

(uh-sigh-tees) excess fluid accumulation in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity.

Morokawa N, Takayanagi N, Ubukata M, Kurashima K, Yoned K, Tsuchiy N, Miyahara Y, Yamaguchi S, Tokunaga D, Saito H, Yanagisawa T, Sugita Y, Kawabata Y.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center.

Abstract

A 51-year-old man presented with back pain in 1997. He had a 30-year-history of occupational asbestos exposure. His chest CT showed bilateral pleural thickening and pleural effusion. The pleural effusion of the right thorax exhibited both elevated level of adenosine deaminase and increased numbers of lymphocytes. Antituberculous chemotherapy had no effect on the exudates. Progressive bilateral pleural thickening were found on chest CT, and pulmonary function tests showed severe restrictive ventilatory impairments since 1998. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was conducted in 2001 to exclude pleural malignant mesothelioma. No malignancy was found in pleural samples. After 3-year observation and excluding other causes, he was given a diagnosis of benign asbestos pleurisy. In 2005, fibrotic changes were found in both lower lung fields in chest CT. He suffered from respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, and died in 2006. The autopsy disclosed asbestos-related lung diseases. We suspected that diffuse pleural thickening could be a major cause of fatal respiratory impairment in this case.

Glossary

lymphocytes

a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

chemotherapy

(key-mo-THER-uh-pee) treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery or radiation to treat cancer when the cancer has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

bilateral

(bi-lat-er-ul) on both sides of the body; for example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer in both breasts.

benign

(be-nine) not cancer; not malignant.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.

pleural effusion

an abnormal accumulation of fluid, usually caused by trauma or disease, in the pleural space.

Rahman NM, Gleeson FV.

Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine and University of Oxford, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, UK.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Pleural diseases are a common and increasing clinical problem. Establishing accurate diagnosis is an essential step in management of these patients, and approximately 40% of pleural effusions will remain undiagnosed after initial diagnostic thoracocentesis. Obtaining pleural tissue (by blind, image-guided or thoracoscopic pleural biopsy) is therefore a key procedure. Recent evidence provides important information on the relative value of each of these techniques.

Recent findings: For the diagnosis of malignant pleural disease, both thoracoscopic and image-guided biopsy have a far higher diagnostic yield than blind pleural biopsy. Cutting needle biopsies have a higher diagnostic yield in malignancy (and especially mesothelioma) compared with fine needle aspiration. The complication rate of image-guided biopsy is low. Rates of biopsy site tract invasion by mesothelioma may be lower using smaller biopsy ports, as used for image-guided pleural biopsy.

Summary: Blind pleural biopsy should no longer be conducted for the study of malignant pleural disease if facilities for other techniques are available. Image-guided and thoracoscopic biopsies have similarly high diagnostic rates, and are complementary techniques used in different clinical situations. Further studies assessing biopsy tract site invasion from mesothelioma with different biopsy techniques are required.

Glossary

needle aspiration

a type of needle biopsy. Removal of fluid from a cyst or cells from a tumor. In this procedure, a needle is used to reach the cyst or tumor, and with suction, draw up (aspirate) samples for examination under a microscope. If the needle is thin, the procedure is called a fine needle aspiration or FNA. (See also biopsy.)

fine needle aspiration

see needle aspiration.

diagnosis

identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

biopsy

(buy-op-see) the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

tissue

a collection of cells, united to perform a particular function.

mesothelioma

a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.