How is it diagnosed

If you have been in contact with asbestos, and a chest x-ray shows a build-up of fluid, then you will probably have further tests to confirm (or rule out) that you have mesothelioma. It can be difficult to be certain of a diagnosis of mesothelioma. The doctor will need to examine some fluid and/or tissue. They will take a sample by one of these methods:

By inserting a needle into the fluid between the layers of the lining in your chest/abdomen. Then the doctor will drain the fluid using a syringe, or take a small sample of tissue using a special needle.

If there is a lot of fluid and it is causing symptoms, the doctor can drain it off slowly under local anaesthetic.

By inserting a needle directly into the tumour tissue to suck out some tumour cells, or take a small sample.

You have a general anaesthetic, and a surgeon uses an 'endoscope'. The endoscope is a piece of equipment with a light and camera at its tip, and a channel which allows the doctor to remove fluid or take a sample of tissue. This is becoming the test that doctors prefer to use.

NB: it may take a few days for your test results to come through. Before you go home after your test, you should make sure you have a follow-up appointment.

Infomation sourced from the British Lung Foundation.