The diagnosis of mesothelioma is a laborious task.

One of the problems with the diagnosis of mesothelioma is that it is a rather difficult task. Why, you may ask ? The symptoms are similar to several other ailments. Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma, for example, is tricky because its symptoms resemble those of pneumonia.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma commences with a review of the patient's medical history. If one was exposed to asbestos in the past then there is a definite possibility of mesothelioma being present. The patient will undergo a physical examination, followed by a chest X-ray. If pleural thickening is revealed during the X-ray then a CAT scan (also known as CT scan), or an MRI will be performed. In the event that a large amount of fluid is found, any abnormal cells may be detected by cytology  (cytology is the detailed structure of a tissue, as revealed by microscopic examination).

This fluid is removed by means of a syringe. If the cytology reveals an absense of malignant cells this does not completely rule out the presence of mesothelioma. In the event that the (cytology) tests are positive then a biopsy is necessary. A sample of tissue is removed for close examination under a microscope. This will further aid in mesothelioma diagnosis.

If the mesothelioma cancer is located in the chest (or thorasic cavity) then a small incision is made in the chest wall, and a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope inserted. This will allow the doctor to take a look inside the chest and obtain the necessary tissue samples.

If the cancer is in the abdomen, a laparoscopy is performed instead. More or less the same procedure (of making an incision) is performed during a laparoscopy as well.

If the mesothelioma cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated then it is known as a localized cancer.

If it has spread to other parts of the body then it is classified as advanced.

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