Diagnosing Mesothelioma The best way to ascertain appropriate treatment is through quick diagnosis of the disease. Because of the long latency period and the symptoms common to other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. Survival time relies on rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment, so make sure your doctor knows if you have been exposed to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma. Before a treatment plan can be put in place, an evaluation of your mesothelioma symptoms and a complete physical examination should occur. This examination may include: X-rays of the chest or abdomen Lung function tests CT (CAT) scan PET scan MRI Medical history Information regarding asbestos exposure A blood test may be used to determine if a protein called osteopontin is elevated. This test is more often used during your mesothelioma treatment plan to determine progress. Fluid and tissue samples are used to determine if cancer cells are present. If so, special tests are needed to diagnose the asbestos cancer as mesothelioma. Stages of tests are required to give your doctor the best information on your mesothelioma diagnosis and survival prognosis. Examples of tests on fluid and tissue samples include: Removal of fluid in the chest, abdomen, or heart areas Thoracoscopy – inserting a video camera in the chest to take a tissue biopsy or fluid Laparoscopy – inserting a video camera in the abdomen to take a tissue biopsy or fluid Thoracotomy – surgery to remove a larger tumor sample from the chest cavity Laparotomy – surgery to remove a larger tumor sample, or the entire tumor, from the abdomen Bronchoscopy – inserting a lighted tube to determine if there are masses in the bronchial airway. Small samples of tissue can be taken for testing. Mediastinoscopy – inserting a lighted tube under the sternum into the chest to view the lymph nodes and take samples for testing. Mesothelioma often looks like other types of cancer, making it difficult to diagnose without special tests. One test, an immunohistochemistry, looks for different proteins on the cell surface and can determine if the cancer is lung cancer or mesothelioma. DNA Microarray analysis is a newer test that looks at genes in the cancers which is helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma because it has a different gene pattern than other cancer types. Another tool used to diagnose mesothelioma is an electron microscope. Because it can magnify samples more than 100 times greater than a light microscope, the distinguishing part of cancer cells can be seen to determine other cancer types from mesothelioma. Survival of mesothelioma requires diligence on both the part of the patient and the doctor. Make sure your doctor knows if you worked in a profession where asbestos was regularly used, get checkups regularly, and know the risk factors and symptoms for mesothelioma.