Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Have You been Recently Diagnosed?
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is common for patients to seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor who specializes in their type of mesothelioma. Working with an oncologist who specializes in your unique type of cancer may afford more treatment options and will ensure you receive optimal care for your condition.Would you like assistance by an experienced doctor?
Our Doctor Match Program connects patients with the best mesothelioma specialists throughout the country.Preliminary Considerations for Diagnosis
Doctors typically formulate a mesothelioma diagnosis within three to six months of a patient’s first consultation. Patients initially visit their general physician to discuss breathing problems and chest or abdominal pain. The primary doctor will usually take the first steps of the diagnostic process, after which a patient may see a pulmonologist or oncologist for further testing.Before considering mesothelioma as the cause of a patient's symptoms, a doctor will contemplate some of the following diagnostic factors:
Medical History
- In addition to asking about past and present health problems (especially respiratory issues), a physician will need to know about any family history with cancer and whether or not the patient currently or previously smoked.
A Physical Examination
- During an exam, a doctor will check for signs of pleural effusion or pleural mass, reduced chest expansion capabilities, quieted or absent breathing sounds, mediastinal displacement, localized tenderness, and any protruding tumors.
Prior Asbestos Exposure
- Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma and any history of exposure may indicate the need for further testing.Imaging Tests to Screen for Mesothelioma
In the case that the pulmonologist or oncologist suspects an asbestos-related disease, they may order imaging scans to further determine what is present.Before considering mesothelioma as the cause of a patient's symptoms, a doctor will contemplate some of the following diagnostic factors:
Biopsies
Biopsy tests are one of the most effective ways to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests collect small fluid or tissue samples for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. Fluid biopsies are considered to be 80 percent conclusive, while thoracoscopic biopsies provide an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis in approximately 98 percent of patients.
thoracoscopic biopsies provide an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis in approximately 98 percent of patientsFine Needle Aspiration
- During this procedure, doctors utilize a long, thin needle to extract a fluid sample from the affected area.Thoracoscopy
- In this test, surgeons will use a long, thin tube to examine the chest through a very small incision to obtain a small tissue sample.Mediastinoscopy
- This procedure is used to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck and chest.Incisional/Core Biopsy
- This biopsy removes a small part of tissue if the needed sample is in an easy-to-reach location.Excisional Biopsy
- Accompanied with greater risks, this biopsy attempts to remove all of the affected area rather than taking a small tissue sample.Mesothelioma Blood Tests
With the discovery of specific mesothelioma biomarkers, doctors may soon be able to detect the cancer in earlier stages and potentially before symptoms arise. However, elevated levels of certain biomarkers do not necessarily mean cancer is present. Mesothelioma blood tests are currently being researched and improved among those already diagnosed with mesothelioma. The hope is that someday these blood tests will serve as early-detection screening tests to catch mesothelioma in the earliest stages of development.Mesomark
- The Mesomark assay measures the amount of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Proteins (SMRP) in human serum. The test binds antibodies to SMRP and doctors measure the amount to help determine the presence of mesothelioma.miRview
- The miRview Meso test is an effective tool that helps provide a diagnosis for mesothelioma patients (biopsies are still needed to confirm diagnosis). The test measures tissue-specific microRNA biomarkers from the tumor to help identify mesothelioma from other cancers.Mesothelioma ICD-9 Code
Patients often ask the Mesothelioma Center about the meaning of the “ICD-9 code.” Medical documents may refer to a disease by a specific ICD-9 code, which is an international classification system to quickly and universally indicate a diagnosis. As a malignant tumor of the pleura, pleural mesothelioma falls under ICD-9 code 163. ICD-9 code 158 indicates a malignant tumor of the peritoneum such as peritoneal mesothelioma.A malignant tumor of the thymus, heart or mediastinum such as pericardial mesothelioma is assigned the ICD-9 code 164. Although this terminology is seldom used outside of medical documentation, some doctors do refer to ICD-9 coding while explaining technical reports or official diagnoses to patients.
Resources for Diagnosed Patients
After receiving mesothelioma diagnosis, a patient will want to discuss their illness with an oncologist. The Mesothelioma Center's free Doctor Match program can connect patients with the best local medical professionals that can offer their expert opinion. Doctors with experience in asbestos-related diseases can construct a thorough therapy plan or direct patients to applicable clinical trials.The Mesothelioma Center offers a range of patient resources to support and empower patients at any step of the diagnostic or treatment process. In addition the complimentary information packet, patients can request free awareness wristbands, a newsletter, mesothelioma literature and assistance with Social Security or VA claims.
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