Mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose. The disease is often misdiagnosed, especially in the first few visits to a doctor. Doctors may run multiple tests before they settle on a diagnosis. These tests can be expensive and may take weeks to run. The doctors may diagnose other, more common ailments, such as pneumonia. They may prescribe the wrong treatments, such as antibiotics. In the meantime, the real illness, a cancer called mesothelioma, will continue to develop and spread.
An early diagnosis of this deadly cancer is critical. If it is caught at an early stage, there may be better mesothelioma treatment options available.
Doctors may perform a series of tests such as x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, a fluid biopsy (called cytology), and a tumor biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. The diagnosis will be based on consideration of all tests and the clinical findings of your doctors.
If you are worried that you might have mesothelioma, make sure to tell the doctor about your exposure to asbestos and ask that the doctor test you for it.
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