How is one diagnosed for mesothelioma?
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging. Generally, a physician will perform a full physical exam during which s/he may take x-rays of the chest and abdomen and test for respiratory (lung) function. X-rays may be supplemented with advanced imaging techniques such as a CAT scan or an MRI. If your physician has concerns, s/he will refer you to an oncologist, or cancer specialist. This person will arrange fora biopsy, or tissue sample from inside your chest or abdomen, which will be examined under a microscope. If the pathologist finds that mesothelioma is present, the oncologist will need to determine whether the disease is localized (present only on the mesothelium) or advanced (has spread to other parts of the body.
