In cases where the diagnosing physician suspects peritoneal mesothelioma, open biopsy may be required in order to reach a diagnosis. In open biopsy, surgery is performed using an open incision into the abdominal cavity, exposing the infected tissue and permitting the extraction of samples for biopsy purposes. These tissue samples are then transferred to a pathology laboratory for cellular analysis, a process which generally takes several days. In cases where the diagnosing physician suspects peritoneal mesothelioma, open biopsy may be required in order to reach a diagnosis.
In open biopsy, surgery is performed using an open incision into the abdominal cavity, exposing the infected tissue and permitting the extraction of samples for biopsy purposes. These tissue samples are then transferred to a pathology laboratory for cellular analysis, a process which generally takes several days.
If malignant cells are discovered within the sampled tissue, a pathologist will then determine whether the diagnosed mesothelioma is malignant.
A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma will in most cases be followed by a referral to an oncologist, who will examine the patient, conduct additional tests if necessary, and determine the present stage of progression of the disease in the patient’s case. He or she will also design a therapeutic pathway for the patient, determining a course of treatment and a prognosis. The patient’s primary care provider may be involved in these decisions.
Since open biopsy is an invasive procedure, the patient is exposed to the risk of complications, including secondary infections. It is for this reason that open biopsy is generally considered as the test of last resort in potential cases of mesothelioma.
