title: Accuracy of diagnostic procedures in the initial evaluation and follow-up of mesothelioma patients.
abstract: The present study contains the review of 30 patients with malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, examined and treated at our institution. In an attempt to compare various methods of diagnosis in this entity, emphasis was laid on specific abilities and limitation of investigations such as pleural biopsy, pleural fluid cytology, diagnostic thoracoscopy and thoracotomy and radiological studies including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical management problems encountered in this neoplasm are also discussed.
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos