Written by Dr. Kristopher Bunting | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: November 13, 2024

What Is Mesothelioma Screening?

Mesothelioma screening involves tests, such as X-rays, CT scans and PET scans, to check for cancer before symptoms show. Screening is crucial for people at high risk of getting mesothelioma. Early detection boosts treatment success.

Key Facts About Mesothelioma Screening

  • Mesothelioma screening may detect cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear.
  • People at high risk of mesothelioma can benefit from screening.
  • A positive screening test requires additional testing to diagnose mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Screening is recommended for people with asbestos exposure or other risk factors. Mesothelioma has a long latency of 20 to 60 years, meaning it can take decades for symptoms to arise.Primary care doctors typically order screening tests. The doctor will refer you to a specialist if a screening test returns a positive result. But a positive screening test does not necessarily mean you have mesothelioma cancer. Additional tests, imaging and a biopsy are necessary to diagnose mesothelioma correctly.

How Can You Screen for Mesothelioma?

No single test can detect mesothelioma. Doctors must combine tests to diagnose it. It’s often hard to spot, even in patients with symptoms. They need to review all data to decide if mesothelioma is likely.

Doctors use imaging and blood tests to find early signs of mesothelioma. Imaging scans look for changes in the lungs and abdomen. Blood tests check for certain proteins and genes related to mesothelioma. They also assess risk levels. Additionally, doctors test lung function to spot damage. They monitor these tests to detect mesothelioma early.

Kim-Madril-ASB-9-How did you feel after processing your mesothelioma diagnosis

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Doctors can find early signs of mesothelioma by using a variety of imaging tests and blood tests together. Imaging scans look for changes in the lungs and abdomen that can indicate the early stages of mesothelioma. In contrast, blood tests look for specific proteins and genetic markers associated with mesothelioma or increased risk of mesothelioma. Pulmonary function tests also detect signs of lung damage. Doctors can track changes in these tests to help detect mesothelioma in its early stages.

Imaging Tests

Various imaging tests, including chest X-rays, CT scans and PET scans, check for mesothelioma. Each test reveals different details about possible tumors.

  • Chest X-rays provide detailed images of the chest and abdomen. They can help doctors find small abnormalities linked to mesothelioma.
  • CT scans provide detailed cross-section images of the chest and abdomen that can help doctors see small abnormalities associated with mesothelioma.
  • PET scans can find areas of high metabolic activity in the body. This can indicate cancer and help determine its stage.

X-rays are good at identifying lung diseases but not for peritoneal mesothelioma. CT scans, which are more detailed than X-rays, help find small tumors early. PET scans are great for spotting cancer cells but not tiny tumors. Regular imaging checks for minor changes, which could signal mesothelioma.

Biomarker Tests 

Biomarkers are proteins or other substances that can act as indicators of disease. No biomarkers can definitively detect mesothelioma. However, the levels of several proteins increase when mesothelioma occurs. Testing for these proteins may help doctors find mesothelioma in its early stages. 

Multiple blood tests and biomarkers can diagnose mesothelioma. Routine and specific tests can hint at its presence. Key markers include soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP), osteopontin, and BRCA-associated protein-1 (BAP1). These aid in screening and diagnosis. More tests for other markers are being developed.

Doctors can test fluid from pleural effusions for certain markers, too. If the effusion is malignant and stems from pleural mesothelioma, it often has high SMRP levels and other markers. Sometimes, a pleural effusion is the first sign of mesothelioma. Testing this fluid can lead to early detection.

Testing SMRP Levels

Mesothelioma can increase blood levels of SMRP. MESOMARK and similar tests detect SMRP in the blood. If SMRP levels are high, this may indicate the presence of mesothelioma. High SMRP levels can also occur in fluid from pleural effusions caused by mesothelioma.

However, SMRP blood levels alone are not always reliable for diagnosing mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, can also raise these levels. Still, watching SMRP levels over time helps doctors catch mesothelioma early.

BAP1 Gene Testing

BAP1 is a tumor suppressor gene that helps prevent cancer and other tumors. People with an abnormal BAP1 gene are at higher risk of mesothelioma. According to research, tests for BAP1 are more useful when combined with tests for other genes, such as MTAP, Merlin and p53.

BAP1 is linked to a syndrome that causes tumors. Research shows people without a working BAP1 gene are more likely to get mesothelioma, even without asbestos exposure. Testing for the BAP1 gene and mesothelioma can identify those at high risk.

Who Should Get Screened for Mesothelioma?

Anyone exposed to asbestos should get checked for mesothelioma and related diseases. This is vital for those with occupational exposure. Frequent, high-level exposure raises mesothelioma risk. The risk also increases with age because of the disease’s long development time.

Thanks to new laws, asbestos exposure has fallen since the 1970s. Yet people exposed at that time or earlier might still be at risk. This also applies to their family members, who could be affected by contaminated clothing or items.

People at Risk for Mesothelioma

  • Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure who develops symptoms of mesothelioma: persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or unexplained weight loss
  • Family members with secondary asbestos exposure
  • People living near asbestos mines or natural deposits
  • People who have worked in asbestos mining or processing
  • People who have used asbestos-containing products, including talcum powder
  • Military veterans and family members
  • Workers in construction, shipbuilding and similar industries

People exposed to asbestos at work, in the environment, or indirectly have a higher risk of mesothelioma. They should get screened by a doctor before symptoms appear. Those with symptoms should also see a doctor for a check-up.

Benefits of Early Mesothelioma Detection

Screening for cancer and other diseases aims to find issues early, before symptoms show up. Catching mesothelioma early allows for quicker treatment. This is crucial for better outcomes, higher survival rates, and a better quality of life.

Benefits of Early Detection

  • Improved Treatment Outcomes: Early detection allows for more treatment options and improved outcomes.
  • Increased Survival Rates: A timely diagnosis boosts the odds of successful treatment and survival.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life:  Early intervention can help. It can reduce symptoms and manage complications. It can also improve well-being.

Finding mesothelioma early doesn’t always mean better outcomes. However, it does increase the chances of successful treatment. So, screening is crucial for getting the best care quickly.

Headshot of Jacques Fontaine

It’s so important to be able to catch or detect the cancer early on before the patient has any symptoms. When we catch the cancer early, we offer them the best chances.

Dr. Jacques Fontaine, director of the Mesothelioma Program at Moffitt Cancer Center

Why Is Early Detection of Mesothelioma Difficult?

Early detection of mesothelioma is tough because there’s no dedicated screening test, and its symptoms aren’t unique. It’s rare and often unfamiliar to many doctors. This can lead to misdiagnosis, confusing it with other less serious conditions or cancers. The disease typically appears 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure.

When Should You See a Mesothelioma Doctor?

People exposed to asbestos should see a specialist for mesothelioma. This is important for diagnosis and treatment. If you or your doctor suspect mesothelioma, also see a specialist. This applies if there are symptoms or tests suggest it.

The day I decided I wasn’t going to sit back was at the last appointment I had with my first oncologist. It was scary walking into the unknown, but I knew there was more to my life than this devastating diagnosis.

Tamron Little, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor
Tamron Little Mesothelioma Survivor

Early diagnosis and treatment are key for the best mesothelioma outcome. If you’re at high risk from asbestos exposure, see a specialist soon. Don’t wait. If you or your doctor suspect mesothelioma, get diagnosed and treated quickly.

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