Mesothelioma Information

The misdiagnosis of mesothelioma cancer can lead to serious medical consequences, as the treatment for two different diseases is very precise and time sensitive.  Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of asbestos cancer, the early symptoms of which can resemble symptoms related to other conditions.  A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be tragic, as early diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential in extending a sufferer's life beyond the average post-diagnosis time of one to two years.  Unfortunately, mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, even using all available techniques.

Malignant Mesothelioma and Pneumonia

Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a number of other conditions, most of which affect the lungs.  Pleural mesothelioma is often confused with pneumonia in its early stages because of symptomatic similarities.  In addition, fluid collecting in the thoracic cavity is an indicator of mesothelioma but not an exclusive symptom of the disease.  Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are difficult to distinguish from one another on a common x-ray.  Even highly trained pathologists can misdiagnosed mesothelioma in patients.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is complicated by a variety of different factors:

1. There are few outward symptoms until the condition is gravely advanced.
2. The lengthy time period between exposure to asbestos and manifestation of mesothelioma symptoms in the patient.
3. Many of the symptoms of mesothelioma are common to a number of other less severe conditions, ranging from the common cold to bronchitis.

Early Detection of Mesothelioma

Early detection is the most critical tool in fighting asbestos disease.  Failure to diagnose mesothelioma in its early stage allows the disease the opportunity to progress to a more serious stage, growing and metastasizing throughout the body and limiting mesothelioma treatment options.  Individuals with known exposure to asbestos may be advised by their doctors to undergo regular screening test for mesothelioma.  Screening is used when there is no evidence yet of cancer.  Diagnostic tests are used once cancer is suspected.

How Cancer is Diagnosed

Direct or assisted visual observation is the most widely available examination for the detection of cancer.  It is useful in identifying suspicious lesions in the skin, retina, lip, mouth, larynx, external genitalia, and cervix.

The second most available detection procedure is palpation to detect lumps, nodules, or tumors in the breast, mouth, salivary glands, thyroid, subcutaneous tissues, anus, rectum, prostate, testes, ovaries, and uterus and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, or groin.

Internal cancers require procedures and tests such as endoscopy, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound.  Laboratory tests, such as the Pap smear or the fecal occult blood test have been employed for detection of specific cancers.

The performance of screening tests is usually measured in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive-predictive values (PPV) and negative-predictive values (NPV).  Sensitivity is the chance that a person with cancer has a positive test.  Specificity is the chance a person without cancer has a negative test.  PPV is the chance that a person with a positive test has cancer.  NPV is the chance that a person with a negative test does not have cancer.  PPV and to a lesser degree, NPV are affected by the prevalence of disease in the screened population. For a given sensitivity and specificity, the higher the prevalence, the higher the PPV.

How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed

See our statement on diagnosis.

Legal Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP.

Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in toxic tort litigation cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.

We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case.  We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.  We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions.  Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244.  We look forward to helping you.