Mesothelioma Diagnosis

diagnosis of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma diagnosis does not typically occur until later stages of development have been reached. This happens because mesothelioma has a very long latency period. In a typical case, between 20 to 50 years elapse between asbestos exposure and the onset of the first symptoms of mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma diagnosis commonly begins with a complete medical history review and physical examination of a patient who suffers from mesothelioma symptoms and signs including shortness of breath, chest pains, swollen abdomen, and more. The physical exam should involve a number of imaging tests to search for suspicious cell formation.

As a first step in diagnosing mesothelioma, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen or a CT (or CAT) scan or MRI may be performed. Although mesothelioma typically can’t be seen on an x-ray, the tumor often causes a pleural effusion, or fluid collection between the lung and chest wall. This abnormal finding is associated with shortn

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