Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis

Can Mesothelioma Be Misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is frequently misdiagnosed. Health care providers can mistake this cancer for more common — and less serious — health issues.

In fact, nearly 1 in 4 mesothelioma cancer patients receive a misdiagnosis at first, according to the Open Epidemiology Journal.

Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed as:

• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Digestive issues
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pneumonia
• Other cancers and illnesses

If you believe a doctor has misdiagnosed you, you can see a cancer specialist for a second opinion. An accurate and prompt mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial to receiving treatments to fight this cancer.

For over 25 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped mesothelioma patients get medical care after a misdiagnosis and compensation from asbestos companies that put Americans at risk.

Our mesothelioma law firm has secured over $9.8 billion to date for patients and their families. Contact us now to find out if we may be able to help you.

Why Is Mesothelioma Misdiagnosed?

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the cancer is so rare, with only about 3,000 cases diagnosed per year according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Many general doctors may not even know to look for it.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are also nonspecific, meaning they are similar to those of common illnesses. A cough, fever, and chest pain may be mistaken for less serious health issues like the flu. Some patients may not have any symptoms until the cancer reaches a later stage.

Finally, mesothelioma takes 10-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure, which makes it easy for patients and even doctors to overlook the connection between current symptoms and past exposure.

“It’s such a rare cancer that the majority of patients end up getting misdiagnosed or treated for a number of other things before it gets figured out.”
– Dr. Joseph Friedberg, Mesothelioma Specialist & Surgeon

What Can Mesothelioma Be Mistaken For?

Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed as other types of cancers, including lung cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as noncancerous illnesses like the flu or digestive issues.

Learn more about common illnesses mesothelioma may be mistaken for.

COPD and Mesothelioma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of conditions that cause the lungs to weaken, leading to difficulty breathing, a cough, and chest pain. These symptoms are similar to those found in pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining.

As a result, pleural mesothelioma could be misdiagnosed as COPD-related health issues like bronchitis or emphysema, according to the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Digestive Issues

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the abdominal lining, may be mistaken for other health problems that cause issues with digestion and bowel movements.

These digestive issues often include: 

• Bowel obstruction
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
• Tuberculosis

“I was having pretty severe stomach pains. It was just written off as menstrual pain, abdominal issues, or gastrointestinal issues.”
– Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, Mesothelioma Patient & Firm Client

Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to help you pursue compensation following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Call (800) 326-8900 now to find out if you may qualify.

Flu

Early mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for the flu, according to the Moffitt Cancer Center. General practitioners may not think to investigate symptoms like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath more deeply.

As a result, patients could be given simple treatments like flu or cold medication, delaying an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

Lung Cancer

Many pleural mesothelioma patients risk being misdiagnosed with lung cancer, which may also be caused by exposure to asbestos.

Our client Forrest Wulf suffered from breathing issues and fluid buildup in his lungs following decades of working with asbestos at various job sites. Doctors first believed he had a type of lung cancer before more tests revealed it was mesothelioma.

Ovarian Cancer

Doctors may misdiagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as ovarian cancer because both conditions can cause similar symptoms.

After firm client Julie Gundlach began experiencing constipation and digestive problems, doctors performed an abdominal imaging scan.

When they found a mass, they assumed it was ovarian cancer — a mistake that wasn’t corrected until Julie went in for surgery, where they realized it was actually mesothelioma.

Pneumonia

Mesothelioma could be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Both cause similar symptoms, including difficulty breathing, fluid buildup, and a cough.

Firm client Walter Twidwell suffered repeated bouts of pneumonia after working with asbestos-containing boilers during his time in the U.S. Navy decades earlier.

After growing concerned, Walter agreed to undergo testing. He was ultimately diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Other Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos exposure can lead to other illnesses besides mesothelioma, including:

• Asbestosis: An illness in which the lungs become stiff and scarred due to inflammation from asbestos fibers.
• Pleural plaques: These occur when a protein called collagen collects in the lung lining. It causes no symptoms but may appear on imaging scans.
• Pleural effusion: This is fluid buildup in the lung lining that leads to difficulty breathing.

Doctors can use tests like imaging scans to look for potential tumors or other signs of cancer and order more tests to help differentiate mesothelioma from these diseases.

Getting Mesothelioma Second Opinions

Through a mesothelioma second opinion, another doctor will study the results of the first round of tests along with your health history. They can then recommend steps to confirm the original diagnosis or determine if you were misdiagnosed.

Seeing a mesothelioma specialist could make a big difference when getting a second opinion. A specialist will be knowledgeable about top treatments, including ones only offered in clinical trials, that could help give you the best chance of living longer.

When facing a possible mesothelioma diagnosis, you have the right to:

• Seek a second opinion from another qualified doctor
• Ask your doctor questions regarding your diagnosis
• Be informed of all mesothelioma treatment options and any potential risks
• Confirm your cancer stage and cell type
• Know your prognosis and life expectancy for your specific case
• Request that your care team directs you to websites or foundations that help other patients

“If you’re not happy with your doctor, or it’s something you know is not right, then you go to someone else, and you keep going to someone else until they find out what it is.”
– Mary Jane Williams, Mesothelioma Patient and Firm Client

It’s important to get a second opinion as soon as possible. Waiting too long could lessen your available treatment options as mesothelioma will have more time to spread.

A second opinion also allows you to confirm that the specifics of your mesothelioma diagnosis are accurate. Another doctor could find you have a lower cancer stage or less aggressive cell type, which could give you access to more treatments.

We have registered nurses on staff who can help you find mesothelioma specialists to provide a second opinion and answer any questions you may have. Contact us now to get started.

What Test Confirms Mesothelioma?

A biopsy is the only test that confirms a mesothelioma diagnosis. Doctors remove a sample of tissue or fluid and review it under a microscope to determine if mesothelioma cells are present.

In some cases, multiple biopsies may need to be performed to ensure you’ve been correctly diagnosed.

Here are key tips to getting mesothelioma biopsy results:

• Bring a list of questions you may have regarding your diagnosis
• Bring a spouse or other family member for support
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to answer questions

Another test known as immunohistochemistry staining can also be performed. This test allows doctors to “stain” a biopsy sample for indicators that a patient has mesothelioma rather than another type of cancer.

Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis Stories

Many of our mesothelioma clients were initially misdiagnosed with other health issues or faced a delayed diagnosis.

Hear their stories below and learn how our mesothelioma lawyers helped them pursue compensation and justice.

Julie Gundlach’s Misdiagnosis Journey

Julie Gundlach was exposed to asbestos as a child. Her father, an electrician, worked with asbestos-containing materials and unknowingly brought the fibers into their home.

In her mid-30s, Julie’s doctors diagnosed her with ovarian cancer after she complained of digestive issues. However, when they went to operate, they found out she actually had peritoneal mesothelioma.

“I went to the doctor early in August 2006 with digestive issues, and within two weeks, I was on the operating table at St. John’s hospital where they diagnosed me with mesothelioma.”
– Julie Gundlach, Mesothelioma Patient and Firm Client

Julie was given just 6-12 months to live. She worked with our firm to secure asbestos settlements that helped pay for multiple surgeries and other treatments, which have allowed her to survive for nearly 20 years after her diagnosis.

Mary Jane Williams’ Fight for an Accurate Diagnosis

Mary Jane Williams tried to find out the cause of her symptoms, which included abdominal bloating, for a year with no results. Doctors were also puzzled and provided her with acid reflux medicine.

“I had MRIs, I had CAT scans, I had ultrasounds. Nobody could find out what it was. They couldn’t diagnose me.”
– Mary Jane Williams, Mesothelioma Patient and Firm Client

Following gallbladder surgery, Mary Jane was ultimately diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. She underwent several treatments, including surgery, and became a 15-year survivor.

Simmons Hanly Conroy helped Mary Jane afford the treatments she needed, and we may be able to assist you too. Call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more.

Ernie Conry’s Long-Term Misdiagnosis

Ernie Conry experienced strange symptoms for over 6 years until he was finally diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

“I was having pain in my shoulder and ribcage, and various doctor visits could prove nothing. I was going in and out of doctor’s offices for years until we eventually found the problem.”
– Ernie Conry, Mesothelioma Patient & Firm Client

After his diagnosis was confirmed, Ernie bravely fought the cancer by undergoing numerous treatments. He also worked to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos. He passed away 13 years after his symptoms began, leaving behind a rich legacy of advocacy.

Andrew Manuel’s Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis

As a child, Andrew Manuel’s father was a shipyard pipeline distributor. Andrew was exposed by playing on pipes and asbestos behind his home and when his father would come home from work covered in contaminated dust.

In adulthood, Andrew suffered from back pain, and doctors didn’t know why. Eventually, a specialist and a biopsy confirmed he had mesothelioma. He and his wife LaTanya secured justice by filing a mesothelioma claim with help from our attorneys.

“The Simmons firm, if it had not been for them, we wouldn’t have known what to do. When I needed them, they were there. When I need them even now, they’re still there.”
– LaTanya Manuel, Wife of Mesothelioma Patient & Client Andrew

Andrew passed away just two years after his diagnosis, but his memory will never be forgotten.

Jessica Blackford-Cleeton’s Misdiagnosis Story

Jessica Blackford-Cleeton experienced strange, unexplained symptoms for more than a year without a conclusive diagnosis from doctors.

Jessica had to advocate for her health, requesting an ultrasound, a CT scan, and finally, a biopsy, which confirmed she had peritoneal mesothelioma.

“The doctor was shocked, I was shocked, everyone was shocked. Right away, the doctor said, ‘I’ve never seen this before, and I’ll probably never see it again. We need to get to a specialist.’”
– Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, Mesothelioma Patient & Firm Client

Diagnosed at just 32 years old, Jessica underwent major treatment and has become a long-term survivor, living for nearly 10 years to date. She has also defied the odds in more ways than one, becoming a mother even though her fertility odds were affected by cancer treatments.

Mesothelioma Legal Options After a Diagnosis

After a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, you may qualify for legal compensation and benefits to help pay for your medical bills and protect your family’s future.

Compensation options for patients and their loved ones include:

• Mesothelioma lawsuits: Our attorneys can file lawsuits against asbestos companies on your behalf. While there’s no guarantee of compensation, many families have received millions of dollars by working with us.
• Asbestos trust funds: An estimated $30 billion is still available in asbestos trust funds. We can help you secure compensation from all of the trusts you may qualify for.
• Veterans benefits: U.S. veterans with mesothelioma can pursue benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including monthly payouts worth over $3,800, free or inexpensive treatment, and more. Our VA-accredited attorneys can help prepare benefits claims.

We’ve recovered over $10.2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families nationwide. Our attorneys will work to get the highest payouts for you in the shortest amount of time possible.

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• We fight to maximize your results
• Many get results in as few as 90 days
• No out-of-pocket costs for your family

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Providing Mesothelioma Help to Patients Nationwide

For over 25 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has supported and fought for justice on behalf of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Families often feel shocked following an unexpected mesothelioma diagnosis. Our attorneys and on-staff nurses can help recommend the next steps to ensure you get the care you need — and the compensation to afford it.

To date, we’ve helped more than 6,000 families affected by mesothelioma across all 50 states. Our firm has also donated over $21 million to cancer research.

Call (800) 326-8900 now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward the care and compensation you deserve.