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  1. About Mud
    1. When Did Joint Compound Contain Asbestos?
    2. Manufacturers and Distributors of Asbestos-Containing Joint Compounds
    3. Drywall vs. Plaster Installation
    4. Job sites in New York Where Joint Compound Was Used
      1. University At Buffalo
        1. University at Buffalo’s North Campus and Exposure to Asbestos
        2. University at Buffalo Image Gallery
        3. Our Clients Describe Their Asbestos Exposure at the University at Buffalo
          1. Electrician describes his exposure to asbestos during the construction of the U.B. Law School
          2. Plasterer describes the use of asbestos-containing fireproofing at the University at Buffalo
      2. Amherst Central High School
      3. Cornell University
        1. Cornell University Image Gallery
      4. Emerson Vocational School
      5. Hudson Plastering Corporation
      6. Marine Midland Center
      7. Marine Midland Plaza, Rochester
      8. Mercy Hospital
      9. Monroe Community College
      10. Rochester Davis-Fetch Corporation
      11. 9 more items...
  2. Exposure to Joint Compound
    1. Home Exposure to Joint Compound
    2. Building Renovations and Asbestos Abatement
    3. Exposure Through Drywall Installation
      1. Exposure Through Set-Up and Mixing
      2. Exposure Through Sanding
      3. Exposure Through Clean-Up
  3. U.S. Government Position on Asbestos
    1. Failure to Warn
    2. Countries That Have Banned Asbestos
  4. Mesothelioma & Joint Compound
    1. What is Mesothelioma?
    2. Symptoms of Mesothelioma
    3. Mesothelioma Diagnosis
    4. Legal Claims for Mesothelioma
    5. Joint Compound Legal Decisions
    6. Settlements for Joint Compound Workers
    7. Questions About Our Mesothelioma Practice
    8. Mesothelioma Book Request

Home > Mesothelioma & Joint Compound > Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a very difficult disease to diagnose. The symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific, and may be the same or similar to symptoms of much less serious conditions. Additionally, because mesothelioma does not normally develop until many years after an individual has been exposed to asbestos, it may be difficult to make a correlation between the illness and the exposure. Furthermore, many victims of asbestos exposure are unaware they were ever exposed.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed using a combination of techniques, including:

  • A review of medical and work histories;
  • A physical examination using a stethoscope to analyze breathing sounds;
  • Diagnostic imaging scans, including computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays;
  • Tests on fluid and tissue from the affected area, using either a needle or a tiny camera inserted into the body through a small incision.

If an individual is over the age of forty-five and was exposed to asbestos more than 10 years ago, they should be evaluated for asbestos disease, even if no symptoms are present. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that workers exposed to asbestos have annual medical screenings for asbestos disease.