Diagnosis
Your doctor will begin by taking a medical history, and try to determine if there has been any history of asbestos exposure. Next, a physical examination will be performed. Your doctor will also order x-rays and diagnostic tests like a CT, MRI, or PET scan to detect any tumors or abnormalities. Before a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be confirmed, a biopsy must be performed.
If there is a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is important for the doctor to determine what stage the disease is in, and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. This will help determine what type of treatment plan should be considered.
People who are diagnosed with mesothelioma often have difficulty dealing with the disease. The symptoms and side effects are not only painful, but they also limit quality of life. Undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also take its toll on a person, and affect their family and loved ones.
