National Mesothelioma Lawyers for more than 25 years

Helping mesothelioma families for more than 25 years
Pioneers in asbestos law and mesothelioma litigation
Hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for clients
Trials in over 100 asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits
Some of the largest mesothelioma verdicts in the USA
Individual approach & attention to every case we take
Contingent fee - we get paid when our clients get paid

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma diagnosis or detection is derived from a variety of medical tests and examinations including:

Radiology

mesothelioma diagnosis xray Often mesothelioma is first detected, or suspected, after a chest X-ray (in the case of pleural mesothelioma) or CT scan is taken. However, a mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made by radiology alone. Chest X-rays may reveal abnormalities consistent with pleural mesothelioma. Tests, including CT scans, provide more details than chest X-rays and are helpful in staging the cancer after the mesothelioma diagnosis is made. Among the abnormalities associated with pleural mesothelioma that may be identified by chest X-rays or CT scans are pleural thickening and pleural effusions.

Cytology

mesothelioma diagnosis biopsy Laboratory analysis of fluid from a pleural effusion is often the first diagnostic mesothelioma test used to determine whether a person has the cancer. Also, cytological examination of fluid often precedes a mesothelioma test, known as a biopsy, which is a more invasive technique. Mesothelioma may be diagnosed through cytological examination, particularly where it is combined with cytogenetic analysis of the fluid. However, positive cytology results should be confirmed if possible. This is done by way of a mesothelioma biopsy of tissue. Negative cytology results should also be followed with a biopsy, where mesothelioma is suspected, because cytological examination is not sensitive enough to catch many cases of mesothelioma¹.

Pathology

mesothelioma diagnosis pathology The most effective way to make a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is through a biopsy of pleural tissue (or peritoneal tissue in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma tests); the more tissue that is examined, the more accurate the diagnosis. For cases of pleural mesothelioma, a transbronchial biopsy, which involves a tube inserted into the throat, does not require surgery, but only provides a small tissue sample. While less desirable, more invasive surgical procedures that provides a greater tissue sample will support a more accurate diagnosis. After a piece of tissue from the mesothelioma is removed from the body, the diagnosis of mesothelioma is made through well-established immunohistological staining performed by a pathologist.

Because mesothelioma is a rare disease, it is important to try to be evaluated at a hospital that has experience with making mesothelioma diagnoses and can make an accurate prognosis.

Our law firm can help you find exceptional medical care from highly qualified mesothelioma doctors and hospitals.

ATTENTION: Mesothelioma has no known cure and often causes severe pain, suffering, and other types of damage, such as loss of consortium, and loss of income. Additionally, due to the exceedingly high cost of mesothelioma treatments, many families exhaust savings and accumulate financial debt in order to pay for the medical expenses of their family member.

Under the law of most states, pain and suffering from mesothelioma may be compensated through the award of money damages, usually obtained with the help of experienced mesothelioma lawyers. In some states other types of damages may also be recovered.

Asbestos litigation affords mesothelioma victims the opportunity to receive financial compensation and hold accountable the companies that caused their asbestos exposure.

IMPORTANT: If you or your family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should get in touch with a mesothelioma lawyer as early as possible to determine if you have a mesothelioma case and to:

Preserve your rights to bring a legal action against the responsible parties within the limited time frame allowed by law, known as statute of limitations;
Obtain maximum compensation in your case by being able to:
- Preserve evidence and establish facts of the asbestos exposure while the claimant is still alive and able to provide information;
- File and resolve a lawsuit against the responsible parties before they file for bankruptcy or, if they already have, to obtain compensation before their bankruptcy trust funds run out of money;
Expedite your case, as courts tend to give higher priority to mesothelioma lawsuits where the claimant is still alive.

Find out whether you have a case by speaking to one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys via our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 1-800-MESOLAW (1-800-637-6529) or by submitting an email inquiry (see form above). Our attorneys will be quick to respond to you and happy to answer all of your questions.

NOTE: While our offices are located in the states of New York, New Jersey, and California, many of our mesothelioma lawyers are licensed to practice law in a number of U.S. states and have the capability and extensive experience of representing mesothelioma clients throughout the United States. You are encouraged to contact us with any questions.

¹ Renshaw et al., The Role of Cytologic Evaluation of Pleural Fluid in the Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma, Clinical Investigations, Chest, January 1997.

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