How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Asbestos exposure is the sole confirmed cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that leads to severe long-term illnesses and death. If you develop symptoms of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, see a doctor immediately so they can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.
Brendan Little, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: May 1, 2025
If you have mesothelioma or your loved one died from the disease, contact Bergman Oslund Udo Little so we can discuss your compensation options by completing our contact form or calling our offices in Seattle at 206-957-9510 or Portland at 503-447-6230.
- Medical professionals diagnose mesothelioma through an exam and medical history, tissues and biopsies, and a series of tests.
- Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, and unusual chest lumps.
- If you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm to discuss your compensation options.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that forms in the thin tissue around organs such as the lungs. Asbestos exposure is the only confirmed cause of the disease, which is marked by a long latency period. It can take between 10 and 50 years after exposure for mesothelioma to develop. The five-year survival rate for the disease is 10 percent, but early detection leads to better outcomes.
Researchers began warning of the dangers of asbestos in the 1930s, but companies continued mining the material, and manufacturers continued to use it in their products. Widespread asbestos use was not curtailed or phased out until the 1980s. Meanwhile, many older buildings and products still contain the material. Thus, people are still becoming ill.
How Do Medical Professionals Diagnose Mesothelioma?
Diagnosing mesothelioma is challenging because it is difficult to see on scans. In the vast majority of cases, people only receive a diagnosis after reporting symptoms. By that time, the disease has typically reached an advanced stage.
To diagnose mesothelioma, your doctor will consider several pieces of evidence, including:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Imaging tests, which may include x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or echocardiograms
- Tissue samples and biopsies
- Pulmonary function tests
Part of your diagnosis includes staging. Unlike the typical four stages of other cancers, doctors stage mesothelioma based on its location and whether they can remove it. The following are the three stages of the disease:
- Localized and resectable, or removable
- Localized and not resectable
- Metastasized, meaning it has spread to another bodily area, and is not resectable
Mesothelioma Symptoms To Look Out For if You Suspect an Asbestos-Related Illness
Early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma lead to a better prognosis, so it is essential to watch for symptoms. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma. However, they generally include the following:
- Chest pain
- Painful coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
Do not ignore your symptoms or wait until you have more, especially if you’ve worked in one of several asbestos-exposure occupations. You may have also experienced asbestos exposure during military service, in your home, or at a school or other workplace that used asbestos products in ceilings, floors, and walls.
Learn About Your Mesothelioma Compensation Options
If your doctor diagnosed you with mesothelioma or your loved one died from the disease, you can pursue compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit, an asbestos trust fund claim, or a VA disability rating to qualify for veterans’ benefits. You must act quickly after a diagnosis, as each state has mesothelioma and wrongful death statutes of limitations. If you miss these deadlines, you miss your chance to pursue compensation through the courts.
Learn about your mesothelioma compensation options today by completing our online contact form or calling Bergman Oslund Udo Little at one of the following offices:
- Seattle Office: 206-957-9510
- Portland Office: 503-447-6230
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
