Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung.

Mesothelioma is most often seen in patients with a history of smoking and asbestos exposure. The symptoms at the time of diagnosis often include pain and shortness of breath. Some patients with Mesothelioma have received monetary compensation from class action lawsuits.

Chest X-Ray: Pleural effusions (collection of fluid around the lung), pleural thickening (thickening of the lining of the lung) and pleural based masses (masses extending from the lung lining) are often seen in patients with Mesothelioma.

Chest CT Scan: The chest CT (CAT scan) will provide a more accurate picture of the extent of disease. The CT will show the location, extension, and associated lymphadenopathy in patients with Mesothelioma. Thoracentesis: Patients often can undergo thoracentesis (removal of fluid around the lung) if they have a pleural effusion. This fluid can be sent to the pathologists for cytology.

Thoracoscopy: Sometimes there is no pleural fluid, or the pleural fluid does not give enough information to make the diagnosis. Physicians can do a thoracoscopy in those patients. A thoracoscopy allows the surgeon to place a camera in to the lining of the lung to directly visualize the mass and take a pleural biopsy to make the diagnosis.

Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.