Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Speak to a California-Based Mesothelioma Lawyer About Your Claim

Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult for two reasons: the late development of the disease's symptoms, and the fact that most doctors simply have never dealt with this rare form of cancer. Taking up to 50 years between asbestos exposure and cancer diagnosis and affecting only 2,000 people each year in the United States, mesothelioma has not been commonly studied. This means that there are few mesothelioma experts within the United States. By contacting a California mesothelioma cancer lawyer at Clapper & Patti, you will have access to some of the foremost experts on mesothelioma litigation in the country.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma Cancer

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma cancer is to see a qualified medical professional knowledgeable about the disease and about how asbestos cancers work. During a comprehensive physical exam, your doctor will review your medical history, take X-rays of your chest and abdomen, and check your lungs for any abnormalities. Other tests include CT and MRI scans.

An X-ray is the most basic of tests for mesothelioma cancer. Preliminary tests can also include CT (computed tomography) and MRI scans. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, contact a California mesothelioma lawyer at our firm for legal assistance.

Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma

If your doctor suspects pleural mesothelioma - mesothelioma of the lungs - he or she will conduct a thoracoscopy. This involves inserting a thin tube through the chest wall and between two ribs to look for any abnormal cell growths. If a growth is found, your doctor will attempt to remove it for a more thorough examination called a biopsy.

Diagnosing Peritoneal Mesothelioma

If peritoneal mesothelioma is suspected, your doctor will conduct a peritoneoscopy - a test that is similar to a thoracoscopy, but designed for the abdomen. If a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer is made, you should contact a California mesothelioma lawyer at our firm as soon as possible for legal guidance.

Diagnosing Pericardial Mesothelioma

As with pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is diagnosed with a thoracoscopy.

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If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact a California mesothelioma cancer lawyer at the law firm of Clapper & Patti to learn about your legal options.