What Is Mesothelioma Screening?

Mesothelioma screening is a process designed to find evidence of mesothelioma before major symptoms develop. Symptoms usually don’t appear until the disease has progressed. Screening offers a chance to detect mesothelioma earlier in people who have had asbestos exposure. 

Screening is especially important for those who know they’ve been exposed to asbestos, such as veterans, construction workers or people who lived with someone at risk of exposure. Doctors use tests like CT scans and blood tests to look for possible warning signs. 

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Key Facts About Mesothelioma Screening

  1. Screening can detect mesothelioma before symptoms appear. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop after asbestos exposure and symptoms don’t usually appear until it’s advanced. Screening helps find abnormalities early.
  2. Screening typically includes imaging and blood tests. Doctors use CT scans, chest X-rays and blood tests that check for proteins linked to mesothelioma, like fibulin-3 and SMRP, to spot early signs in higher-risk people.
  3. Regular screenings benefit high-risk groups most. Veterans, construction workers, shipyard workers, and those exposed to asbestos secondhand should get screened even if they feel healthy.

There isn’t a specific screening test recommended across the board. Researchers continue developing better blood and imaging tests to detect mesothelioma earlier. Screening alone can’t provide a diagnosis. If something suspicious is found, further diagnostic testing will follow. 

Early detection and confirmed diagnosis before mesothelioma spreads provides people with more treatment options. Pleural mesothelioma survivor Kim Madril tells us, “I was so lucky they discovered it. They discovered it so early on. I was asymptomatic except for the pain.”

How Can You Screen for Mesothelioma?

If you have a known history of asbestos exposure, you can share this with your doctor and request screenings for mesothelioma. Your doctor will likely first use imaging tests. X-rays and CT scans are the most common screening tests. 

Next, your doctor may recommend blood tests for mesothelioma biomarkers, such as specific proteins commonly found in higher amounts in people with this cancer. A July 2025 study in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety identified miRNA as one potential biomarker. In some cases, they may recommend genetic testing. 

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Imaging Tests

Doctors use imaging tests such as X-rays and PET scans to look for signs of mesothelioma in the chest or abdomen. Chest X-rays can show fluid around the lungs or unusual shadows, while CT scans offer more detailed views to detect tumors. 

PET scans spot areas in the body that use more energy, which might indicate cancer. These tests help doctors track changes over time, especially in people with a known exposure history to asbestos-containing products. An August 2025 study published in Nuclear Medicine Communication found fluorescent PET scans can improve mesothelioma staging. 

Biomarker Tests 

Biomarker tests screen for proteins that mesothelioma cells release into the blood. They’re not used alone to confirm a diagnosis but can raise early warnings. Blood tests can measure substances like fibulin-3 or osteopontin that might be elevated in people with mesothelioma. These tests support other screening tools and help track changes over time.

A June 2025 study, for example, found that a gene called PBK, which helps control cell division, can best predict how long people with mesothelioma might live. PBK is usually very active in cancer cells but not in normal cells. When PBK is more active, cancers tend to grow faster and spread more. Because of this, PBK could be a good target for new mesothelioma treatments and may help show how the disease will change over time.

Testing SMRP Levels

The soluble mesothelin-related peptide is one of the most studied biomarkers in mesothelioma screening. Elevated SMRP levels may indicate the presence of mesothelioma, especially the pleural type. Blood tests for SMRP are often used in combination with imaging to improve the accuracy of early detection.

In April 2025, a study in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery examined 77 mesothelioma patients. Most (62%) were treated with a single immunotherapy drug, while others received a combination treatment. The researchers found that SMRP was higher in one type of mesothelioma, and lower SMRP levels were linked to better survival. 

BAP1 Gene Testing

BAP1 gene mutations are linked to a higher risk of mesothelioma. Testing for BAP1 changes can help identify people with a genetic predisposition. While not a screening tool on its own, BAP1 testing helps determine who might benefit from early and ongoing mesothelioma screening.

A 2025 paper published in The Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that, compared to other cases, mesothelioma that develops in people with a BAP1 gene mutation is significantly different. These patients need special medical care because they’re at higher risk of getting multiple cancers.

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Who Should Get Screened for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma screening is recommended for people with known exposure to asbestos or a family history of mesothelioma. Screening is especially important for higher-risk groups who may not show symptoms until the disease has progressed.

Higher-Risk Individuals

  • Auto mechanics
  • Construction workers
  • Electricians
  • Family members of asbestos workers
  • Firefighters
  • Industrial and factory workers
  • Residents living near asbestos mines or factories
  • Users of asbestos-contaminated talc products 
  • Shipyard workers
  • Veterans

If you have a history of occupational exposure, environmental exposure or secondary exposure, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about mesothelioma screenings. If you experience any mesothelioma symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or unexplained weight loss, speak with your doctor right away. 

Benefits of Early Mesothelioma Detection

Mesothelioma screening has positive benefits for those who may be at risk for mesothelioma. While there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma yet, a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the cancer spreads.

Benefits of Screening for Mesothelioma

  • Better prognosis: Early identification often leads to longer survival.
  • Chance of remission: While rare, some individuals, especially those who aggressively underwent treatment upon diagnosis, have gone into remission.
  • Less invasive approaches: Smaller tumors can be more easily excised surgically or targeted with radiation.
  • Lower health care costs: Intervening before the onset of symptoms prevents emergency hospitalizations.
  • More treatment avenues: When mesothelioma is screened before metastasis, physicians can choose to operate, recommend chemotherapy and offer more aggressive techniques.

Finding mesothelioma early increases the chances of successful treatment. A 2025 paper in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that the number of people diagnosed earlier is increasing. The rate of those diagnosed with stage 1 mesothelioma increased from 13.5% to 15.6%.

It’s so important to be able to catch or detect the cancer early on before the patient has any symptoms. When we catch the cancer early, we offer them the best chances.

Dr. Jacques Fontaine, director of the Mesothelioma Program at Moffitt Cancer Center

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Screening

Why is early detection of mesothelioma difficult?

Mesothelioma symptoms don’t usually occur until the disease is already in later stages. It also has an extremely long latency period, meaning mesothelioma usually develops decades after exposure to asbestos. 

When should you see a mesothelioma doctor?

If you have known asbestos exposure or are showing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or persistent cough, you should go to a mesothelioma specialist. These doctors can screen you for any signs of the disease.

Does insurance cover mesothelioma screening?

Insurance coverage is on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes unless there are present symptoms or severe risk factors in family history, insurance won’t cover screening. A Patient Advocate can help you navigate insurance coverage.

Is screening only for people with symptoms?

No, screening is best for those who don’t have any symptoms yet, but have a known history of asbestos exposure. Screening for mesothelioma can help find signs of cancer before you start experiencing symptoms.

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