Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Patients typically have many questions about the diagnostic process, wondering if they are receiving the best testing methods, if the process is taking too long, and if the best doctors are overseeing their diagnosis. The Mesothelioma Center has gathered resources to assist patients through the diagnostic process, providing information and hands-on assistance through our Patient and Family Advocates to help patients understand their options and available resources.

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.

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:

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.

Fine 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.

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.
View Article Sources