Diagnosing mesothelioma

Diagnosing mesothelioma

Tests with your GP

Tell your family doctor (GP) about your symptoms and if you were exposed to asbestos. They may refer you to hospital or a rapid access lung clinic. These are consultant-led assessment and diagnostic services for patients with suspected lung disease.  There are eight rapid access clinics located around the country; your GP will send you to your nearest one. 

Tests at the hospital

• Chest X-ray: An X-ray to see if there is a build-up of fluid on your lungs (pleural effusion).
• CT scan: A type of X-ray that gives a detailed picture of the tissues inside your body to see where the cancer is and if it has spread.
• Thoracoscopy: A flexible tube with a light and camera put into your chest through a cut between your ribs. It can see if the membranes that line the lungs (pleura) look normal. This may be done under general or local anesthetic with sedation. A biopsy (sample of tissue) is usually taken during this procedure.
• Pleural aspiration: Taking a sample of the fluid inside the chest. The doctor puts a small needle and/or tube into the chest cavity, this drains the fluid into a bag, this fluid is then sent to the laboratory to test for cancer cells.
• Biopsy: This means taking a sample of the cells in the pleura (lung membranes) and looking at them under a microscope to check for mesothelioma. This is usually done during a thoracoscopy. The results usually take about two weeks.
• Bronchoscopy: A small tube with a camera on the end is passed into your lungs through your nose or mouth to take pictures (and maybe samples) of your lungs.
• Mediastinoscopy: Putting a tube with a light and a camera into the centre of your chest area, through a small cut at the front of your lower neck. It can see if there are any abnormal areas and if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes there.