Rochester New York Mesothelioma Attorneys > About Mesothelioma > Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a very difficult disease to diagnose. The symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific (link to symptoms of meso page), and may be the same or similar to symptoms of much less serious conditions. Additionally, because mesothelioma does not normally develop until many years after an individual has been exposed to asbestos, it may be difficult to make a correlation between the illness and the exposure. Furthermore, many victims of asbestos exposure are unaware they were ever exposed.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed using a combination of techniques, including:

• A review of medical and work histories;
• A physical examination using a stethoscope to analyze breathing sounds;
• Diagnostic imaging scans, including computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays;
• Tests on fluid and tissue from the affected area, using either a needle or a tiny camera inserted into the body through a small incision.

If an individual is over the age of forty-five and was exposed to asbestos more than 10 years ago, they should be evaluated for asbestos disease, even if no symptoms are present. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that workers exposed to asbestos have annual medical screenings for asbestos disease.