How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing the disease is difficult because of the period of time between asbestos exposure and the time the patient begins to exhibit symptoms. It may take dozens of years to begin to display symptoms. In addition, many doctors may mistake the symptoms for other aliments. These factors may it difficult to identify mesothelioma until it is in a later, advanced stage. At the point it is diagnosed, there is generally little that can be done for the patient.

An X-Rays picture, or a CT or MRI scan can reveal the disease. If a scan turns up signs of mesothelioma, a biopsy is performed on the affected tissues. This requires an operation to remove a sample of the tissue. The biopsy is currently the most accurate method of diagnosis.

Diagnosis begins with an interview to determine risk for asbestos exposure and risk factors. A routine physical exam will often show fluids inthe cheat associated with mesothelioma. X-rays can show lung tissue scarring from asbestos exposure as well a fluid in the lungs. A doctor may choose to perform a biopsy on any tumors or abnormal tissues.