Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, which are shared with more common illnesses. A mesothelioma misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and lower life expectancy. Individuals suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma can receive a more accurate diagnosis by getting a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.
Can Mesothelioma Be Misdiagnosed?
Yes, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed. A patient’s mesothelioma type and symptoms play a part in determining what their misdiagnosis may be.
Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs) presents multiple symptoms related to the lungs and respiratory system. For this reason, patients with this cancer may be misdiagnosed with another type of lung-related disease.
Learn More About Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the abdomen) largely affect the stomach and digestive system, causing some patients to be misdiagnosed with another abdominal condition.
Learn More About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis
Why Is Mesothelioma Misdiagnosed?
There are three primary reasons why a general doctor or oncologist may misdiagnose mesothelioma.
1. Mesothelioma Is Rare
Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer so it isn’t something primary care doctors come into contact with on a regular basis. In turn, physicians don’t always think to check for it when patients report symptoms.
Annual Diagnoses in the U.S.
Even if a doctor is able to identify mesothelioma right away, they can still make mistakes in the staging of the disease, potentially leading to improper treatment. Getting a second opinion from an experienced mesothelioma doctor can help ensure a proper diagnosis, stage, and treatment plan.
2. Mesothelioma Has a Long Latency Period
Mesothelioma usually doesn’t develop until 20-50 years after initial exposure to asbestos (the only known cause of this cancer). This long gap between exposure and symptoms, called latency period, can make it difficult to draw a connection between the two.
3. Mesothelioma Has Vague Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms may resemble more common diseases.
For example, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are often the same as or similar to the symptoms of pneumonia. For symptoms in the abdomen, like those that come with peritoneal mesothelioma, doctors may be more likely to suspect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Both the symptoms you present and your chance of misdiagnosis may depend on what type of mesothelioma you have.
Getting a Second Opinion
After receiving a diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek advice from another doctor who specializes in mesothelioma.
Getting a mesothelioma second opinion is important because:
- It provides peace of mind that a proper diagnosis was made
- It could result in a different diagnosis that’s more favorable
- It could open up different treatment options (such as new treatments from clinical trials)
If you believe you may have been misdiagnosed, a second opinion from a specialized mesothelioma doctor can help ensure you have an accurate diagnosis and maximize your treatment options.
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