Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through several different examinations, procedures and information-gathering by doctors.  If you think you may have Mesothelioma, it is very important that you visit your doctor and go through these processes in order to obtain a professional diagnosis.  Below, you will find more information on obtaining a mesothelioma diagnosis as well as some additional information you should be aware of. 

What is Mesothelioma and How Is It Diagnosed? 

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which starts in the mesothelium – a protective lining which covers the body’s organs.  Most cases of Mesothelioma are caused by exposure to Asbestos, usually directly by working around it or indirectly by living with someone who was exposed to Asbestos. 

Typically, the diagnosis starts with documentation regarding Asbestos exposure, as well as the physician taking a full family history from the patient.  Clinical and radiological tests will be taken and the doctor will review the results for signs of Mesothelioma.  A tissue biopsy may be taken as well.  Typically, the combination of these tests will allow the doctor to confirm the diagnosis or rule it out. 

What Sort of Clinical and Radiological Tests are Performed? 

There are many different tests that physicians perform before giving a Mesothelioma diagnosis. An x-ray allows the physician to note pleural effusion, or fluid build up which is a sign of mesothelioma.  It may also reveal scarring from asbestos exposure.  A CT scan will reveal pleural effusion as well as pleural thickening and changes that might indicate Mesothelioma while an MRI will reveal tumors and other changes indicative of Mesothelioma. 

A PET or Position Emission Tomography test is one of the most important tests you will receive during your mesothelioma diagnosis tests.  This is by far one of the best tests for discovering tumors and other changes in the body which would indicate the presence of Mesothelioma.  Of course, the tissue biopsy is another large step in diagnosing Mesothelioma – typically by ruling out other types of cancer. 

If your doctor finds that these results are inconclusive or not enough for a diagnosis, he or she may recommend other tests which will help him or her determine whether you actually have Mesothelioma or not. 

Should You Get a Second Opinion and Where Do You Go from Diagnosis? 

Many individuals will desire a second opinion – whether mesothelioma was found or ruled out.  If you feel you should receive a second opinion, by all means, go forward.  Your doctor will not be offended by the fact that you want to make sure of your condition.  In fact, most doctors recommend you receive a second opinion – especially if your particular doctor is not a Mesothelioma specialist.  Once you’ve been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, your doctor will discuss your options. 

There are many different treatment options and typically the treatment will depend upon the cancer and certain variables involved.  However, chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments are available to those with Mesothelioma.  It’s important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor and your family to determine which one is right for you.