How Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Are Diagnosed: What to Expect

Edited by Lawrence K. Holcomb

Hearing that you or someone you love may have mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer can be frightening. The diagnosis process often feels confusing and unpredictable, especially when symptoms mimic other, more common illnesses. 

At Wallace Miller, our attorneys have represented families facing this situation across the U.S. Understanding how mesothelioma and lung cancer are diagnosed can help you feel more prepared and empowered to take the next steps, both medically and legally. 

The importance of early and accurate diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases

Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer often take decades to develop. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or chest pain may appear 20 to 50 years after exposure.  

Because these symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory conditions, early signs of asbestos-related diseases can be overlooked. An accurate diagnosis is essential, not only for treatment but also for ensuring your legal rights are protected. 

Sometimes people with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses experience no symptoms at all. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos, talk to your doctor about regular screenings for early detection. The earlier your disease is detected, the more options are available for treatment.  

Diagnosing mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and other diseases often follows the following process: 

Step 1: Discussing symptoms and exposure history

The diagnostic process usually begins when you visit your doctor with respiratory symptoms. They’ll ask questions about your health, occupation, and possible exposure to asbestos. 

It’s important to mention any job or environment where asbestos may have been present, including shipyards, construction sites, manufacturing plants, refineries, military service, or older buildings. Even brief exposure many years ago can be significant. 

At Wallace Miller, we help clients reconstruct their work history to identify where asbestos exposure likely occurred. This information is critical both for your doctor and for your legal case. 

Step 2: Imaging tests

If your doctor suspects a serious lung condition, imaging tests are the most likely next step. These tests allow doctors to scan the lungs and surrounding tissues for any signs of tumors, scarring, or fluid buildup. 

Common imaging tests include: 

• Chest x-rays. Often the first step, x-rays can show fluid around the lungs or unusual masses. 
• CT (computed tomography) scans. CT scans produce detailed 3D images that can reveal tumors or thickening in the pleura (the lining of the lungs). 
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These scans can highlights areas where cancer cells are active and growing. 
• MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). MRIs can provide high-resolution images, which are especially helpful for planning treatment or surgery. 

These tests alone cannot confirm mesothelioma or lung cancer, but they guide doctors toward the next steps in diagnosis. 

Step 3: Biopsies and laboratory testing

A biopsy is used to confirm whether a tumor is malignant and determine what type of cancer it is. Depending on the tumor’s location, the procedure may be performed as a: 

• Needle biopsy: A fine needle removes a small tissue sample from the lung or chest wall. 
• Thoracoscopy: A small camera is inserted into the chest cavity to take samples and inspect the pleura. 
• Open surgery biopsy: Sometimes necessary when less invasive methods cannot access the tumor. 

After the biopsy, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to identify the exact type of cancer cells. This step is critical because mesothelioma and lung cancer look different under the microscope and require different treatments. 

Step 4: Determining the cancer type and stage 

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors determine the type and stage of the disease. 

Types of mesothelioma include: 

• Pleural mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. This is the most common type of mesothelioma. 
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the abdomen. 
• Pericardial mesothelioma: Affects the heart’s lining. Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare. 
• Testicular mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the testes. Like pericardial mesothelioma, this type is extremely rare. 

Types of asbestos-related lung cancer include: 

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common form, including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Less common but more aggressive, often linked to heavy asbestos exposure and smoking combined. 

Stages of cancer from asbestos exposure

The stage describes how far the cancer has spread. Staging helps guide treatment and predict outcomes. It is usually categorized from Stage I (localized) to Stage IV (advanced or metastatic). 

Step 5: Specialist consultations

A diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer should always be reviewed by a specialist, often a thoracic oncologist or pulmonologist. These experts focus on diseases of the chest and lungs and are familiar with the latest treatment options. 

Your care team may include: 

• Oncologists (cancer doctors) 
• Pulmonologists (lung specialists) 
• Radiologists (medical image specialists) 
• Surgeons 
• Palliative care specialists 

At Wallace Miller, we can help clients coordinate with medical centers that specialize in asbestos-related diseases. Having the right medical team makes a major difference in both quality of life and case documentation.

Understanding the link between asbestos and cancer

Asbestos fibers are thin, sharp, and durable. When inhaled or swallowed, they lodge in the body’s tissues, especially the lining of the lungs called the pleura. Over many years, these fibers can cause chronic inflammation and genetic damage that may lead to cancer. 

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma and a major contributor to certain types of lung cancer. Even minimal or indirect exposure (such as washing a family member’s work clothes) can be enough to cause disease decades later. That’s why medical and legal experts pay close attention to any history of asbestos contact. 

Why documentation matters in an asbestos case

When it comes to pursuing compensation, medical documentation plays a vital role. Your biopsy report, imaging results, doctor’s notes, and other medical documents all serve as evidence of the connection between asbestos exposure and your illness. 

If your doctor confirms a diagnosis related to asbestos, it’s important to preserve all medical records and provide copies to your attorney. At Wallace Miller, our team organizes and analyzes this documentation as part of building a strong case for compensation. 

Emotional support and quality of life 

A cancer diagnosis brings not only medical challenges but emotional ones as well. Patients often feel anxious, overwhelmed, or isolated. Many cancer centers offer social workers, therapists, or patient navigators to help you cope and stay organized during treatment. 

At Wallace Miller, we encourage every client to lean on their support network and make use of available resources. We handle the legal details of your asbestos lawsuit so you can focus on your health, family, and loved ones. 

Next steps after diagnosis

The time after a diagnosis can be overwhelming. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, important next steps include: 

1. Following your doctor’s treatment plan. Stay consistent with medical care and attend all follow-up appointments. 
2. Gathering your work history. Note where and when you may have encountered asbestos, including job sites, military service, and home renovations. 
3. Contacting an experienced asbestos attorney. A lawyer familiar with asbestos cases can identify which companies and products may be responsible for your illness. 
4. Acting promptly. Legal deadlines may limit how long you have to file a claim. 

Contact Wallace Miller about your asbestos exposure case

Understanding how mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer are diagnosed can help patients and families feel less overwhelmed and more in control. While these diseases are serious, early detection and strong legal representation can make a tremendous difference in quality of life and financial stability. 

At Wallace Miller, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, from understanding your diagnosis to pursuing justice against those responsible for your exposure. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, contact Wallace Miller for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys represent clients nationwide, helping families recover the compensation they deserve while providing compassionate support throughout the process.