Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Early mesothelioma diagnosis is key to having the best outcome possible with this disease. It’s important to get tested if you think you might have been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life. Because this is a rare form of cancer, it’s also important for patients to see a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma.

esothelioma cancer specialists utilize a number of diagnostic tools to accurately confirm mesothelioma:

• Blood tests such as MESOMARK and SOMAmer
• Imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, X-rays
• Biopsies to investigate cancerous growth in tissue samples

There is no clear path to a mesothelioma diagnosis for every patient. Because the disease is so rare and has such common symptoms, doctors sometimes confuse it for a less-serious illness or a different type of cancer.
The most common presenting symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients typically experience abdominal pain and distension. Anyone with a history of occupational asbestos exposure should remain watchful for these symptoms and report them to a doctor immediately.
Pinpointing the disease involves several procedures, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, biopsies and PET scans. Each of these tests is performed by a different medical professional, and most people get their diagnosis within two or three months from the time they notice their symptoms.
Diagnosing the cancer in its earliest stages supports a wider range of treatment possibilities that could extend your life expectancy. So it’s important you start looking for a mesothelioma expert.