Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed using a number of different tests. A rare form of cancer, it can often be very difficult to detect. Although usually caused by chronic exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma has a very long incubation period – from 20 to 60 years in some cases.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain in the back, side-chest, and lower back
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing blood
• Chronic exhaustion
• Sudden weight loss
• Facial and arm swelling
• Abnormal sweating
• Fever

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

If you have experienced mesothelioma symptoms such as the items listed above, or you are aware of asbestos exposure in your past, see a physician as soon as possible. In the process of diagnosing mesothelioma, a doctor will conduct a physical examination and look at your medical history. He or she may ask you questions about any past exposure to asbestos. If there is evidence of trouble breathing or tumors in your chest area, further tests may be conducted.

Tests used to diagnose mesothelioma include:

• Positron Emission Tomograph (PET)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Chest x-ray
• Fluid sample or tissue sample
• Blood tests