Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that can affect the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.  Due to the delayed onset of symptoms, many victims of asbestos exposure are not diagnosed with the disease until it has advanced to the latter stages. While some with the disease may not show any symptoms initially, others experience mild to severe symptoms including:

• Painful breathing
• Back, chest, and/or abdominal pain
• Coughing
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Bloating

Anyone with a history or likelihood of asbestos exposure experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to visit a skilled physician for a thorough examination. Those knowledgeable of past asbestos exposure should visit a doctor for regular mesothelioma screenings even if they are currently asymptomatic.

Diagnostic Testing For Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a series of medical tests. Initial diagnostic screening for mesothelioma will often include a combination of the following tests to eliminate other potential diagnoses:

• Blood test
• Sputum sample
• Breathing tests
• PET (positron emission tomography) scan
• Abdominal and chest X-rays 
• CT (computed tomography) scan 
• MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)

In the event that these initial tests indicate the presence of cancerous growth, biopsies of the affected areas can determine malignancy, the type and stage of mesothelioma present. It is vital to your health prognosis and potentially your lawsuit to trust your health to experienced physicians skilled in the complex diagnosis of mesothelioma. Learn more about choosing an experienced doctor, the process for diagnosing mesothelioma, and the right questions to ask your doctor.