Diagnosis

According to the National Cancer Institute, diagnosing the
asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma begins with a review of the
patient's medical history and the gathering of information to identify
moments in a patient's life that could have led to dangerous contact
with asbestos and the diagnosis.

A complete physical examination is performed, which includes x-rays of
the chest and lung function tests. A CAT scan or an MRI is often
employed to obtain detailed pictures inside the body that can be
analyzed on a computer monitor. To rule out heart disease the doctor
will also request an echocardiogram, which creates an image of the
heart muscle using high-frequency sound waves.

Results of these diagnostic tests are reviewed and, if warranted, the
doctor will then arrange for a lung biopsy to be performed. This
physically intrusive procedure is conducted under general anesthesia
and involves the removal of internal tissue samples for examination
under a microscope.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma it is essential
for the doctor to identify what stage the cancer is in and how far it
has spread. Knowing the stage of the disease will help the doctor to
devise a treatment plan.