Pleural mesothelioma diagnosis
Mesothelioma can be challenging to diagnose. The symptoms are often the same as those of other diseases and mesothelioma cells can look similar to other types of cancer cells.
The path to diagnosis usually begins with seeing your GP or going to a hospital emergency room, perhaps for shortness of breath, pain or another symptom. The doctor will examine you and take a history of your general health. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is important to raise it at this time as many doctors won’t automatically look for mesothelioma.
The doctor will arrange some initial tests and probably refer you to a specialist, usually a respiratory physician (for chest symptoms).
You are likely to have quite a few tests and see several different health professionals before a diagnosis of mesothelioma is confirmed.
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This information was last reviewed in May 2017
View who reviewed this content
Dr Steven Kao, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Theodora Ahilas, Principal, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, NSW; Prof David Ball, Director, Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Cely Benchoam, Consumer; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic Physician, University of Queensland Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, QLD; Victoria Keena, Executive Officer, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Angela Kyttaridis, Social Worker, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Judith Lacey, Head of Supportive Care and Integrative Medicine, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Amanda Maple, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; A/Prof Brian McCaughan, Thoracic Surgeon, Sydney Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Strathfield Private Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Kirsten Mooney, Thoracic Cancer Nurse Coordinator, WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, Department of Health, WA; Prof David Morris, University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Public Hospital, NSW; Rod Smith, Awareness and Support Co-ordinator, Bernie Banton Foundation. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous Cancer Council resources. The 2015 edition of this booklet was funded by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities and based on a draft written by Dr Andrew Penman with contributions from Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI). The 2011 Cancer Council Victoria booklet Mesothelioma provided background for this booklet. It was funded in part by a donation from Lyall Watts and written with contributions from consumers and support groups
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The cancer information on this website is based on the Understanding Cancer series booklets published by Cancer Council. This information is reviewed and updated every two years or as new information comes to hand. Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses or other relevant health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. Consumers also check the booklets to ensure they meet the needs of people with cancer. Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor. This information is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for your own doctor’s or health professional’s advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained is accurate at the time of publication.
