Getting diagnosed with mesothelioma

You might start by seeing your GP because you have symptoms.  Your GP will refer you to a specialist if they think your symptoms could be due to mesothelioma. You then have tests to find out if there is cancer and, if so, what stage it is at.

Or you might be diagnosed with mesothelioma after you become very unwell and go to A&E.

Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of mesothelioma

See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.

Referral to a specialist for symptoms of mesothelioma

Your GP should arrange for you to have an urgent chest x-ray or to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to mesothelioma.

Screening for mesothelioma

Screening means testing people for early stages of an illness before they have any symptoms. There is no UK screening programme for mesothelioma.

Tests for mesothelioma

You usually have a number of tests to check whether you have mesothelioma, how big the cancer is and whether it has spread.

Last reviewed: 
18 May 2023
Next review due: 
18 May 2026