Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis

Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis – The Difficulty in Diagnosing

Mesothelioma misdiagnosis can occur when doctors lack a strong background in rare diseases like pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that grows on the tissue lining of the lung. Some doctors may mistakenly identify this condition as lung cancer, as the tumors appear close together. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen, is even rarer, while pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart, is the rarest of the three. Given the rarity of these diseases, doctors can sometimes struggle to recognize them. Additionally, the symptoms of mesothelioma often mirror those of less severe illnesses, further increasing the likelihood of misdiagnosis.

If you’ve worked around asbestos and are now dealing with a lung-related diagnosis, you might wonder if your condition has been misdiagnosed. It’s not uncommon for diseases like pleural mesothelioma—caused by asbestos exposure—to be mistaken for other lung diseases, such as emphysema or lung cancer, due to overlapping symptoms and the rarity of mesothelioma. This page will guide you through common misdiagnoses, the challenges of detecting mesothelioma, and how to ensure you get the proper tests for an accurate diagnosis.

Receiving a False or Wrong Mesothelioma Diagnosis

With only about 3,300 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year, many doctors lack the experience needed to recognize this rare disease. The complexity of mesothelioma often requires more than one doctor to accurately diagnose it. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are commonly used to detect tumors, but these scans can sometimes lead to a wrong diagnosis of lung cancer or another lung disease, such as emphysema.

Additionally, the cells of mesothelioma can look similar to those of other cancers. Pathologists who are not familiar with this rare cancer may misidentify it as some other rare disease, leading to a mesothelioma misdiagnosis and possibly improper treatment. This is why those who have been exposed to asbestos should seek specialized testing from a specialist who will most likely use a mesothelioma X-ray to rule out conditions that may mimic the disease.

Common Diseases Mesothelioma is Misdiagnosed As

Because mesothelioma symptoms often resemble those of more common diseases, it can be challenging to receive a correct diagnosis. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos on a long-term basis, it’s important to inform your doctor, as this can help them consider mesothelioma early in the diagnostic process. Without this information, doctors may mistake the disease for other conditions, which will give you a late start on fighting this disease. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, common misdiagnoses can include:

Misdiagnosis of Mesothelioma Stage

In some cases, rather than receiving an entirely inaccurate mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors may misjudge the stage of the disease and its progression. Staging is an important step in one’s fight against mesothelioma because correctly identifying its stage helps oncologists determine how far cancer cells have spread and guide treatment plan decisions.

A patient diagnosed with mesothelioma in a later stage may discover their cancer is not as advanced as originally thought, while others might be told they are in an early stage when the cancer has already spread more extensively. Misdiagnosing the stage can happen because each case is unique, and the progression of mesothelioma varies widely from patient to patient, often making it difficult for doctors to assess based solely on initial symptoms and imaging results.

Getting a Second Opinion for Your Lung Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer or another serious illness, seeking a second opinion can provide peace of mind and possibly better treatment options. A second opinion allows another specialist to review your test results and offer a fresh perspective, potentially leading to an alternative diagnosis or treatment plan. It’s especially important to seek a second opinion if your doctor isn’t experienced in treating mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. Specialists in this field can often provide more targeted and effective care.

Before seeking a second opinion, be sure to gather the following:

• A list of all your medications, doses, and when you took them
• The summary of your doctor’s current treatment plan or the proposed plan
• If you were in the hospital, a copy of the discharge summary
• Operative report (details of previous surgeries)
• The pathology report from any biopsy or surgery

 Getting a The Diagnosis Right The First Time

Receiving an accurate mesothelioma or lung disease diagnosis is the first step in your mesothelioma journey because the type of cancer you have directly influences your treatment options. People who are misdiagnosed may not receive the appropriate therapies needed to improve their condition and quality of life. Being honest and thorough with your healthcare provider about any potential asbestos exposure is essential for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and receiving the most effective treatment. To ensure a correct diagnosis of mesothelioma, several tests can be conducted, including:

• Reviewing the potential history of asbestos exposure, both legal and illegal
• Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify tumors
• Pathology tests to detect specific mesothelioma cell types
• Genetic tests to identify mutations associated with mesothelioma
• Blood tests to look for biomarkers linked to mesothelioma

Other Questions About Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis

If you’ve received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it’s important to understand your rights regarding potential compensation. You may be eligible to file a legal claim against the companies that manufacture asbestos or your employer responsible for your exposure. Misdiagnosis can impact your eligibility for compensation, so consulting with a mesothelioma attorney is advisable to navigate your options.

A qualified attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you qualify for a legal claim based on your circumstances. Complete our free case evaluation today to learn more about your rights and the next steps you can take.