Center for Asbestos Safety in the Workplace

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological examination. Tissue is removed, put under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis, and issues a pathology report.

This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid build-up or pleural effusions, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen.

The doctor may order an x-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done: