Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology
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  • Type of cancer suspected
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Previous test results

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is challenging, and it can be confused with other diseases, such as lung cancer.

Many people first notice symptoms of mesothelioma when they develop fluid in the space around the lungs, a condition called pleural effusion, or in the abdomen, called ascites. When this fluid is removed, it can be analyzed to find out if there are cancer cells in it. However, testing this fluid is usually not the only test needed to diagnose the disease; a biopsy is usually needed to diagnose mesothelioma.

Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed during the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist. A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Sometimes, a needle can be used to get a sample of the lining. More often the doctor removes a tissue sample by using a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the body. This is called a video thoracoscopy when used to get samples from inside the chest or a laparoscopy when used to get tissue samples from inside the abdomen.

The following procedures may be used to help develop a treatment plan:

Physical examination. A physical examination may include a medical history of the person and his or her family's past illnesses, a list of their risk factors, including asbestos exposure, and an examination for other signs of cancer.

Lung function tests. Also called pulmonary function tests or PFTs, lung function tests evaluate how much air the lungs can hold, how quickly air can move in and out of the lungs, and how well the lungs add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

X-ray. An x-ray is a way to create a picture of the structures inside of the body using a small amount of radiation. An x-ray of the chest can sometimes help doctors determine whether a person has mesothelioma and where it is located, but it is not the main way to diagnose mesothelioma.







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