Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis

Do I Have Mesothelioma?

If you are worried you may have mesothelioma you should immediately contact your doctor. Malignant mesothelioma may not become apparent until 20, 30 or even 50 years after the first exposure to asbestos, but can be very aggressive once it takes hold.  Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are not unique to the disease, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult to determine and therefore may take a while; another good reason to go in to see your doctor early.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

To determine whether a person has mesothelioma, doctors may use one or more of these diagnostic methods:

• Chest X ray
• CAT scan - CT or Computerized Tomography
• MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• PET scan - Positron Emission Tomography
• PFT - Pulmonary Function Test
• Transbronchial biopsy - A flexible, lighted scope is passed down the trachea to the bronchi area of the lungs.
• Thoracotomy - During surgery, the chest is opened and examined, usually between two of the lower ribs on one side.
• Thoracoscopy - A thoracoscope with a video camera is sent through an incision between the ribs.
• Centesis - Pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial fluid is drained and evaluated.  This technique is used both for diagnosis and to relieve pressure, pain, and fullness in the chest or abdominal areas.

Mesothelioma is Often Misdiagnosed

Because mesothelioma symptoms are not unique and the disease is relatively rare, cases of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed.  A review of the patient's medical and work history is an important part of assessing the risk of mesothelioma.  If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos, you are at risk for mesothelioma and it is important to share your work experience with your doctor.  Asbestos fibers can also be carried into the home on clothing, inadvertently exposing the deadly fibers - and the risk of mesothelioma - to family members. Mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, but treatments are available.  The chance of recovery, or prognosis, depends on the size of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age.  As with most types of cancer, early diagnosis is a first step in fighting the disease.

New Ways to Diagnose Mesothelioma

Doctors are studying new ways to diagnose this often difficult to diagnose disease.  Currently (June 2008) the National Cancer Institute lists seven diagnostic trials accepting patients for mesothelioma.  One example of a diagnostic trial is using multiple biomarkers for diagnosing pleural effusions. 

Other studies are looking at the following:

• Study of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FluGlucoScan) in Patients With Known or Suspected Cancers of Low Incidence

• Prospective Study of Epigenetic Alterations in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, or Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

• Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) in Lung Cancer Patients

• The Use of Breathing Synchronized CT and PET Scans in Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning 

• Improving Functional Outcomes in Patients With Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: Assessment of Adaptation Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Contact Us Today For A Free Confidential Consultation

The law firm of Paul & Hanley, LLP has offices located throughout California, including Berkeley, Westlake Village (Los Angeles), San Francisco, and San Diego, and our California malignant mesothelioma cancer attorneys handle cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States.  To learn more about mesothelioma, the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and the California malignant mesothelioma cancer attorneys at Paul & Hanley, please contact us today for a free confidential consultation.  For immediate assistance call us toll free at 800-933-2244.