Diagnostic Tests

If your doctor suspects an asbestos-related disease, the next step in diagnosis is tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, determine the location, size and type of cancer involved, and to determine whether the asbestos cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This will often involve imaging tests such as:

• Chest X-ray: This is the most commonly used imaging test for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Almost all diagnoses will involve an x-ray but a more sophisticated test may follow.
• CT SCAN: An x-ray-like procedure in which several x-ray pictures are taken and combined with a computer to produce a detailed image of body tissues. If you undergo a CT scan, you may be given an intravenous injection of dye that helps produce more detailed images.
• PET SCAN: Glucose solution is administered via intravenous injection, and a scanner is used to spot deposits of cancer cells. Malignant cells take up and use sugars more quickly than normal cells, so they can be easily distinguished using this procedure.
• MRI SCAN: A combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field is used to create detailed three-dimensional images that can be carefully examined by a radiologist.