Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

When you present yourself to a doctor with potential symptoms of Mesothelioma, there are a range of questions that he or she will ask you and a variety of tests that they may perform.

These might include:

• Questions about your work history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos
• Questions about your symptoms including when you first noticed them, whether they have changed or developed
• Whether you have a history of cancer in your family
• If anything makes the symptoms better or worse, or if anything in particular seems to trigger them

Tests that can help in diagnosing Mesothelioma include:

X-rays – the doctor is likely to use an x-ray image to identify if there is any sign of pleural effusion (a build-up of fluid around the lung) or any damage to the bones or signs of cancerous growths (tumours). For cases of Peritoneal Mesothelioma an x-ray of the abdomen may illustrate swelling or fluid build-up within the tummy.

Ultrasound – these scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the body. These scans can show blood flow and any suspicious changes within your body including any abnormal growths.

CT Scan – Computerised Tomography scans use X-ray images from a range of different angles to build up a detailed image of the inside of the body. This kind of scan can show up any abnormal swellings in the linings of your lungs or abdomen.

Fluid Drainage – in many cases people who are suffering from Pleural or Peritoneal Mesothelioma can have fluid build-up around their lungs (which can make it difficult to breathe) or abdomen (which can cause swelling and pain). By draining this fluid not only can some of the discomfort be relieved, it also gives the opportunity to test the fluid for signs of cancer cells. This can eliminate other issues that might have been causing the symptoms.

Pleural Biopsy – also referred to as a Thoracoscopy, this technique involves inserting a flexible tube with a light and a video camera into the chest to take a small sample of the outer layer of mesothelium which can then be sent for testing to identify if there are any cancer cells present.

Laparoscopy – similar to a thoracoscopy, this involves inserting a tube with a light and a video camera into the abdomen to take samples to test for cancer cells.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Mesothelioma claim – either by calling us free on 0800 028 2060, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choosing to discuss your situation. When you contact us you are under no obligation to continue with the case unless you wish to do so.

We’re here to help – contact us today.