Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of any form of mesothelioma is difficult. Since one need not be exposed to large amounts of asbestos to develop the disease decades later, many don’t know they were ever at risk. Even if one is aware of their own history of asbestos exposure and the dangers involved, the long latency period of mesothelioma, coupled with the fact that most symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other diseases, make a positive diagnosis difficult.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosis and the rarity of mesothelioma, accurately detecting the disease is possible through a variety of tests.

Mesothelioma is most often seen in patients with a history of smoking and asbestos exposure. The symptoms at the time of diagnosis often include pain and shortness of breath. Some patients with Mesothelioma have received monetary compensation from class action lawsuits.

Chest X-Ray: Pleural effusions (collection of fluid around the lung), pleural thickening (thickening of the lining of the lung) and pleural based masses (masses extending from the lung lining) are often seen in patients with Mesothelioma.

Chest CT Scan: The chest CT (CAT scan) will provide a more accurate picture of the extent of disease. The CT will show the location, extension, and associated lymphadenopathy in patients with Mesothelioma. Thoracentesis: Patients often can undergo thoracentesis (removal of fluid around the lung) if they have a pleural effusion. This fluid can be sent to the pathologists for cytology.

Thoracoscopy: Sometimes there is no pleural fluid, or the pleural fluid does not give enough information to make the diagnosis. Physicians can do a thoracoscopy in those patients. A thoracoscopy allows the surgeon to place a camera in to the lining of the lung to directly visualize the mass and take a pleural biopsy to make the diagnosis.

If you have experienced any of the symptoms of peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin preliminary testing and examinations.
Typically your doctor will first determine abnormalities by performing a physical examination, examining medical history, and learning if you have a history of asbestos exposure. It’s important to note that a doctor may not initially suspect mesothelioma, as it is a very rare disease. If you have a history of potential asbestos exposure, it is helpful to inform your physician.

The first step in mesothelioma diagnosis will involve your doctor listening to your breathing to determine if there are any abnormalities. He or she will also look for any swelling or lumps on the chest or stomach area. Further testing will be performed if it is determined that you are experiencing breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, or chest pain.