Biopsy. Biopsy, a procedure to remove a small portion of tissue for laboratory examination, is the only way to determine whether you have mesothelioma. Depending on what area of your body is affected, your doctor selects the right biopsy procedure for you.
Why it is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma?
- Why Mesothelioma Is Hard to Diagnose. This cancer is known to be hard to diagnose. One of the reasons is the long latency period between asbestos exposure and the diagnosis of the disease. The typical latency period for mesothelioma is at least 10 years and up to 40 years.
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Fever and night sweats
- Fluid buildup
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
How to get tested for mesothelioma?
- Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure. The American Society of Clinical Oncology explains that mesothelioma is a form of cancer that may start in the lining that surrounds the lungs,heart,abdomen,...
- Diagnosing Mesothelioma. ...
- Becoming Exposed to Asbestos. ...
- A Personal Injury Attorney May Be Able to Help You Seek Justice. ...
Can breath test diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages?
- The researchers are convinced that biomarkers for mesothelioma can be detected through breath analysis at an early stage of the disease. “This method seems very promising in the early detection of diverse malignancies, because exhaled breath contains valuable information on cell and tissue metabolism,” they say.
Three different blood tests for mesothelioma can detect biomarkers: MESOMARK assay, N-ERC/Mesothelin, and Fibulin-3. Each blood test for mesothelioma shows if the substances produced by cancer cells are present. Depending on the results, doctors may order additional tests before making a diagnosis.