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Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a malignant form of cancer that attacks the delicate membranes lining the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma typically has a prolonged latency period of between 25 and 50 years. The disease is usually well advanced by the time it is diagnosed.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose on the basis of symptoms alone because many of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Mesothelioma is generally diagnosed through a combination of symptoms and a medical history that is positive for asbestos exposure.

Patients will often complain of unexplained fevers, malaise and fatigue. Other symptoms are specifically related to the area of the body where mesothelioma strikes. Mesothelioma is most frequently found in the lungs, abdomen and pericardial sac.

  • Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Symptoms are related to the buildup of fluid within the lungs and include shortness of breath, painful swallowing, chest or rib pain with breathing, and a persistent, nonproductive cough. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.
  • Pericardial mesothelioma affects the fibrous sac around the heart (pericardium). Symptoms include arrhythmias, heart murmurs, chest pain, breathing difficulties even without exertion, and shortness of breath when lying flat. Pericardial mesothelioma comprises 1 to 6 percent of all mesotheliomas.

Mesothelioma has also been found in the lining of the testicles, but this is very rare.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

When symptoms become severe enough to compel an individual to visit his or her physician, the physician's first act will be to obtain a thorough medical history.

Next, the physician will perform a complete physical examination to confirm the signs of the disease; signs vary according to the cancer's primary site within the body. In pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, the physician will look for signs of fluid buildup in the chest and abdomen respectively; in pericardial mesothelioma, the physician will listen for a heart murmur.

After the medical history and physical examination are completed, come imaging studies. These may include:

  • X-rays that will pinpoint abnormalities such as the presence of fluid and/or unusual thickening of the mesothelium
  • CT scans and MRIs that will allow physicians to look at these abnormalities more closely and from a number of different angles
  • PET scans that will allow physicians to determine whether the primary tumor has metastasized

Following imaging studies, patients will undergo one or more biopsies to determine mesothelioma cell type: epithelial mesothelioma represents 50 to 70 percent of all cases; sarcomatoid mesothelioma, 7 to 10 percent of all cases while biphasic mesothelioma, in which both cell types are found, represents 25 to 35 percent of all cases.

The sooner mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more successful treatment will be. If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and experiencing symptoms suggestive of mesothelioma, it is very important to see a physician as soon as you can.