How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed, and What Diagnostic Tests Are Involved?

If you suspect you have mesothelioma due to a history of asbestos exposure and new or worsening symptoms of this disease, you should schedule an exam with your doctor. While it can be scary to consider the possibility of a mesothelioma diagnosis, the only way to know for sure is for your doctor to run the appropriate diagnostic tests. As your appointment approaches, consider what tests you should expect and how they can help with early detection of mesothelioma.

How Will Your Physical Exam Help You Get Diagnosed?

At the start of your exam, your doctor will discuss your medical history with you, including when and how you were exposed to asbestos. This is the chance for you to explain any symptoms you have that might indicate mesothelioma.

The symptoms of this condition vary depending on which organs are affected. For most people with mesothelioma, the cancer cells are in the lungs, so they have pleural mesothelioma. Some of the most common symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pleural effusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Once you have explained your symptoms and history of asbestos exposure, you will undergo a physical exam where your doctor uses a stethoscope to check your lungs, abdomen, and heart for signs of this condition. If your doctor detects anything unusual, they will schedule some diagnostic tests that look for cancer cells in your body.

What Kinds of Imaging Tests Do Doctors Use to Diagnose Mesothelioma?

Diagnosing mesothelioma often begins with imaging tests, which employ advanced techniques to capture detailed images of the internal structures of the body. These mesothelioma diagnostic tests are essential in identifying the extent of the disease and determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Several imaging methods are commonly utilized in the diagnostic process for mesothelioma:

1. X-rays: Chest X-rays are typically the first step in assessing lung health. They can reveal pleural thickening, which is a common sign of mesothelioma, as well as other lung abnormalities that may indicate related issues.
2. Echocardiograms: These ultrasound tests of the heart provide critical information about cardiac function and fluid accumulation around the heart, known as pericardial effusion. This can be significant, as fluid buildup may occur in patients with mesothelioma.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans are particularly useful for evaluating soft tissues and can help identify the type of cancer and its progression. This imaging technique offers detailed images that assist in visualizing tumors and understanding their relationship with surrounding structures.
4. Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: CT scans provide comprehensive cross-sectional images of the body, allowing doctors to locate the cancerous growths accurately. They are invaluable in assessing the size of tumors and the involvement of lymph nodes, which is crucial for staging the disease.
5. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans: PET scans are designed to show metabolic activity and can help determine if the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. By highlighting areas of increased metabolic activity, PET scans can reveal potential cancerous lesions that may not be visible through other imaging methods.

Imaging tests play a vital role in guiding physicians when they suspect mesothelioma but require further confirmation to make an accurate diagnosis. If your symptoms, a history of asbestos exposure, and results from a physical examination raise concerns about mesothelioma, your doctor will likely recommend these imaging tests.

Depending on the outcomes, the tests can either rule out mesothelioma or indicate the need for a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a sample of cells for more in-depth analysis, providing a clearer picture of the diagnosis and informing the next steps in your care.

Do You Need a Biopsy?

The most straightforward way to determine if you have cancer is through a biopsy. This diagnostic test involves collecting tissue or fluid from your body to examine under a microscope. If this test shows the presence of cancerous cells in certain organs, you will likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

There are a few types of biopsies that your doctor can use to diagnose mesothelioma, including:

• Fluid biopsy, during which your doctor uses a needle to extract fluid from your abdomen, chest, or the sac around your heart
• Needle biopsy, during which your doctor uses a needle to remove a small amount of tissue to be tested for cancer cells
• Endoscopic biopsy, in which your doctor uses a tube with a camera and light – an endoscope – to view the inside of the body while taking a tissue sample
• Surgical biopsy, where your doctor makes an incision in the abdomen or chest to extract tissue for testing or even remove the mesothelioma tumors if possible

Medical professionals usually start with the least invasive biopsy technique if this allows them to get enough fluid or tissue for testing, but they will progress down the list to the more invasive options if this is required for a diagnosis. After all, the sooner you’re diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and potentially increase your life expectancy.

If you’re worried about how you’ll afford your treatment plan after your diagnosis, consider bringing a legal claim against the company that caused your asbestos exposure. The mesothelioma lawyers at Frost Law Firm will help with this, so call to learn about your legal options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.