Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma patients are typically diagnosed within three to six months of their first visit to a doctor with complaints about breathing problems or chest and abdominal pain. The first step involved in diagnosis is providing a full and accurate medical history to your doctor, including details about current and past health concerns, as well as the types of symptoms you are currently experiencing.

It is important to mention any possible exposure to asbestos. Without revealing this fact, your doctor may not consider asbestos-related diseases in his or her examination. Next, patients will undergo a physical examination where a doctor will examine causes for any types of symptoms being displayed. In most cases, the doctor's next step will be to recommend further testing.

Mesothelioma Diagnostic Tests

If your doctor suspects an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, the next step in the diagnostic process includes testing to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, determine the location, size and type of cancer involved, and determine whether the asbestos cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This will often involve imaging tests such as:

• Chest X-ray: This is the most commonly used imaging test for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Almost all diagnoses will involve an X-ray, but a more sophisticated test may follow.
• CT Scan: This is an X-ray-like procedure in which several X-ray pictures are taken and combined with a computer to produce a detailed image of body tissues. If you undergo a CT scan, you may be given an intravenous injection of dye that helps produce more detailed images.
• PET Scan: A glucose solution is administered through intravenous injection and a scanner is used to spot deposits of cancer cells. Malignant cells take up and use sugars more quickly than normal cells, so they can be easily distinguished using this procedure.
• MRI Scan: A combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field is used to create detailed three-dimensional images that can be carefully examined by a radiologist.

Fluid and Tissue Tests

These tests, also known as biopsy tests, involve collecting small samples of fluid or tissue and checking them for the presence of cancer cells. Such tests include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration: Mesothelioma cancers cause fluid to build up in affected locations, such as in the pleural membrane. During a fine needle aspiration, a doctor will remove a fluid sample using a very long, thin and hollow needle.
• Thoracoscopy: Thoracoscopy is used in cases where pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected. During this procedure, a very small incision is made in the chest wall and a sample of tissue is removed.
• Bronchoscopy and Laparoscopy: These procedures are similar to the thoracoscopy, but are performed on different parts of the body. The bronchoscopy is used to view the trachea and airway, while the laparoscopy is used to remove samples of peritoneal tissue.
• Mediastinoscopy: This procedure is used to view lymph nodes in the chest and neck, to determine if cancer has spread from its point of origin.

After Diagnosis

The oncologist (a cancer doctor), who should be well-versed in treating mesothelioma, will help determine the best options for treatment. Patients should also educate themselves about mesothelioma and treatment options and reach out to available resources to make coping with a diagnosis easier. Our patient and family advocates are available to speak with patients and family members to answer questions and provide additional information and guidance. To speak with an advocate, please call 800-615-2270 or fill out this contact form.

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Definition: Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. As a result of a very long latency period, ranging between 20 and 50 years, diagnosis does not typically occur until the later stages of development. Early symptoms and warning signs of the disease are non-specific and often resemble symptoms of other conditions that are less serious. For example, the early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may be mistaken for influenza or pneumonia and this can result in a misdiagnosis.

Definition: Pleural Membrane

The pleural membrane, also known as the pleura, is the protective lining of the lungs.