Diagnosis of mesothelioma is a multi-stage process involving a variety of laboratory procedures. While no tests for mesothelioma exist, a variety of related tests can be performed to confirm a preliminary diagnosis of mesothelioma. Diagnosis of mesothelioma is a multi-stage process involving a variety of laboratory procedures. While no tests for mesothelioma exist, a variety of related tests can be performed to confirm a preliminary diagnosis of mesothelioma.
These “mesothelioma tests” start with the physician’s examination of the patient’s medical and work history or any exposure asbestos. Any proximity to or exposure of the patient to asbestos or asbestos-bearing material during his or her lifetime dramatically raises the probability that mesothelioma is behind the patient’s presenting symptoms. A thorough medical examination is also performed.
If mesothelioma is suspected the examining physician may order one or more diagnostic laboratory tests to confirm their suspicions. For example, X-ray, CT, and/or MRI scans may be performed, and biopsy samples of the patient’s blood, body fluids and tissue examined for the presence of malignant mesothelial cells.
If the signs of mesothelioma are not present, the preliminary diagnosis of mesothelioma will be discarded and the search will begin for other causes behind the patient’s symptoms.
In the future, a dedicated test for mesothelioma may be possible. For now, however, the only way to discover if a given patient has mesothelioma is through an exacting series of tests for signs of the cancer.
