Diagnosis

Diagnoising mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnoisis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung fuction tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT( or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed.