Diagnosis (definition of)

Like most medical terms, the word diagnosis comes from Greek, and means "to analyze" (dhiágnossi, literally "[to] split [in order] to know").

In the case of mesothelioma and other cancers, diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, including exposure to any known carcinogens and a family history of cancer. The primary care physician will then note any symptoms, take an x-ray and if warranted, refer the patient to an oncology clinic.

The next step involves taking more detailed images using computed tomography (CT scan) and analyzing both bodily fluids (blood and urine) as well as tissues (biopsy). These samples are examined in a pathology lab both visually and with chemical agents that will either confirm the diagnosis or not.

If the presence of cancer like peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma is confirmed, the next step is to determine the type of cancer and its stage. A cure for mesothelioma may be possible if detected in Stage 1 or Stage 2. On the other hand, if the cancer is in a later stage and has metastasized to other regions of the body, palliative treatments are usually all that is available.

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma and want to learn more about treatment options, view our mesothelioma treatment guide.