Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosing Mesothelioma is difficult due to the similarity of symptoms with other conditions. In order to confirm a diagnosis, a biopsy must be done. In a biopsy, a surgeon will remove a tissue sample, which will be examined by a specialist. There are, however, less obtrusive ways to diagnose a patient with Mesothelioma:

• Chest X-ray: This can be done to check for any abnormalities in the lungs, such as thickening of the pleura or accumulation of fluid.
  
  
• Sputum Cytology: This method involves examining a phlegm sample (otherwise referred to as sputum or spit) for the presence of cancer cells. This test cannot directly diagnose Mesothelioma, however, it can rule out other illnesses.
  
  
• CT Scan: A series of x-rays, which are used to build a three-dimensional picture of the inside of your body. The scan is painless and takes just 20 to 30 minutes. CT Scans use a small amount of radiation, which is unlikely to be harmful.

If the diagnosis is Mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct more involved tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease will help the doctor to plan continued treatment.

If you or a loved one have been injured from being unknowingly exposed to asbestos, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out the form to the right of the page for a free case evaluation.