Pleural Mesothelioma (Biopsy-1)
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the pleura, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. It is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma typically requires a biopsy, where tissue samples are taken for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
Types of Biopsies (1)
Needle Biopsy:
This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a needle through the chest wall to collect tissue samples from the pleura. The two main types of needle biopsies are:
- Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to extract cells or fluid from the pleura. This method is less invasive but may not provide enough tissue for a definitive diagnosis.
- Core Needle Biopsy: A thicker needle is used to extract a larger tissue sample, providing more information for analysis.