Tennessee Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If a patient with a history of exposure to asbestos develops any symptoms that could indicate mesothelioma cancer, doctors have many diagnostic tools at their disposal to diagnose or rule out this rare but deadly form of cancer. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma often closely resemble the symptoms of other lung or stomach conditions, it is important to conduct a thorough medical examination.

A mesothelioma diagnosis often begins with a doctor learning about the patient’s full medical history, including past or current health conditions, health habits as well as possible exposure to asbestos. The doctors will also perform a physical examination before conducting diagnostic tests. This examination will check for general signs of health and disease, making sure to check for lumps or any other unusual symptoms.

In addition to taking a patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam, doctors may recommend the following tests and procedures:

Mesothelioma diagnosis tests and procedures:

• X-ray. This x-ray will create a picture of the bones and organs of the chest or any other area where mesothelioma may be suspected.
• Complete blood count (CBC) test. This blood test will check for red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count, as well as hemoglobin levels.
• Other blood tests. These can include a “sedimentation rate” test that checks the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test vial.
• Other imaging tests. In some cases, a MRI, CT or PET scan may be ordered to produce images of the desired areas of the body.

In order to truly make a mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will often have to perform a biopsy. This test involved removing tissues, fluids or other cells from the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen or testicles. These cells are viewed through a microscope to check for cancer and determine the type of mesothelioma, if present. Different mesothelioma biopsy procedures can include:

• Thoracoscopy: a thin tube-like lens and light device is inserted through an incision between two ribs
• Thoracotomy: an incision is made between two ribs to check for signs of mesothelioma
• Peritoneoscopy: a thin tube-like lens and light device is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall
• Laparotomy: an incision is made in the abdominal wall to check for signs of cancer
• Bronchoscopy: a device is inserted through the nose or mouth to view the trachea and lungs
• Fine needle aspiration—removes tissue through a thin needle inserted through a small incision in the pinpointed location of the abnormal issues

If through some combination of tests, a doctor determines that a patient has mesothelioma cancer, they will discuss this mesothelioma diagnosis with the patient and their family in detail, explaining the characteristics of this cancer, the prognosis, and possible treatment options. Please see our information on mesothelioma treatment to learn more about possible treatment options your doctor may discuss with you.