MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSED

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

The asbestos-litigation law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg provides more than mesothelioma legal support to clients who have been diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer. Our firm can connect clients with the top mesothelioma doctors in the United States. In many cases, mesothelioma doctors are located in larger cities and are associated with leading universities and cancer research centers that conduct mesothelioma clinical trials patients may be interested in.

Mesothelioma is not easily diagnosed

August 17, 2010 – Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. About 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States annually. The insidious thing about the disease is that it takes anywhere between 20 to 50 years after the exposure to develop into recognizable symptoms.

Mesothelioma patients are typically diagnosed within six months of their first visit to a family doctor for suspected mesothelioma cancer symptoms that can include breathing problems or chest and abdominal pain.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed after many tests

Mesothelioma can not be diagnosed without a number of tests. The doctor reviews the patient's medical history and possible history of asbestos exposure, which may have occurred in the home or at work.

It is important to mention any exposure to asbestos you are aware of, or even suspect, no matter how long ago. Without revealing this information, your doctor may not consider asbestos-related diseases during the examination. That’s because the first medical consultation is often with the family doctor, or a general practitioner, and not a cancer specialist.

The doctor’s visit can also include a complete physical, X-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A CT scan or MRI may also be scheduled.

If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma, your doctor will refer you to a specialist, such as an oncologist (a cancer doctor), who can confirm that mesothelioma has been diagnosed, or not.

Before mesothelioma can be diagnosed, a biopsy is performed. Biopsy tests involve collecting small samples of fluid or tissue and checking them for the presence of cancer cells.

Cancer specialists are prepared to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and identify mesothelioma support groups and cancer centers that will help make coping with the disease easier.

Weitz & Luxenberg – Asbestos-injury law firm

If you were employed in either the construction, automotive or shipbuilding industries up to 50 years ago, and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation by filing a mesothelioma cancer claim.

Weitz & Luxenberg has successfully represented thousands of asbestos-injured workers against employers that failed to provide safety equipment and product manufacturers who neglected to warn consumers of the health hazards associated with their products.

For a free, private case review, please contact Weitz & Luxenberg through the communication form at left. Our firm has obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements in asbestos-injury cases since 1986.