{"id":820,"date":"2020-04-17T13:10:27","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T17:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=820"},"modified":"2025-12-23T16:23:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T21:23:57","slug":"misdiagnosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/misdiagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Why Mesothelioma Is Misdiagnosed<\/h2>\n<p>A mesothelioma misdiagnosis happens when doctors mistake the signs or symptoms of this rare cancer for another condition. Because only about 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, many doctors, especially those who don\u2019t specialize in cancer, may not recognize it right away. This is even more likely if the patient doesn\u2019t have a known history of asbestos exposure, which is the only known cause of this cancer.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <em>American Cancer Society Journals<\/em>, about <strong>14% of all mesothelioma cases are misdiagnosed<\/strong>. For pleural mesothelioma, that number is closer to 25%.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the most common reasons mesothelioma is misdiagnosed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Similarities to other cancers:<\/strong> Under a microscope, mesothelioma cells can look similar to other cancer cells, including lung cancer. Doctors who aren\u2019t familiar with mesothelioma can misdiagnose the exact cell type.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Testing limitations:<\/strong> Pathologists use special stains to test tissue and fluid samples from a biopsy. But staining alone can be misleading if doctors don\u2019t also review the patient\u2019s medical history and tumor features.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vague symptoms: <\/strong>Early warning signs like fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath are easy to confuse with more common conditions such as pneumonia, COPD, or the flu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to take a biopsy of tissue or fluid and have it examined under a microscope. Learn more about how mesothelioma is diagnosed \u2014 and how to avoid a misdiagnosis \u2014 in our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>, shipped for free overnight.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>What to Do if You Think You Were Misdiagnosed<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been struggling with symptoms and don\u2019t think you\u2019re getting the right diagnosis, it\u2019s important to be your own advocate.<\/p>\n<p>Below are some steps to consider if you think you\u2019re facing a mesothelioma misdiagnosis.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Get educated<\/strong> on the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma so you know when to get checked out and share your concerns with your medical team. Request our <a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a> for extensive information on this cancer.<\/li>\n<li>Tell your doctor if you have a known or suspected <strong>history of asbestos exposure<\/strong>. This can help them connect the dots between your symptoms and ultimate diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seek out a mesothelioma specialist<\/strong> if you don\u2019t have one already. A doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma patients can determine whether you have this rare cancer and identify specifics to inform your treatment plan. Use our <a href=\"\/doctor-match\/\">Free Doctor Match<\/a> to get help finding a specialist near you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get a second opinion<\/strong> if you feel your diagnosis isn\u2019t right. An accurate mesothelioma diagnosis includes several factors, like the cancer stage and cell type, so it never hurts to get a <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/second-opinion\/\">second medical opinion<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep pushing for an answer<\/strong>. Your health matters most, and your medical care team is there to help you \u2014 if something feels off, you have every right to push for more testing and get the answers you deserve.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>An incorrect diagnosis delays your ability to get proper treatment, giving the cancer more time to spread throughout your body. Getting treatment as early as possible gives you a better chance to live longer and maintain a good quality of life.<\/p>\n<h3>The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion<\/h3>\n<p>The stories of <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivors<\/a> like Mary Jane Williams show how important it is to be persistent if you or a family member is struggling to get answers to unexplained health problems.<\/p>\n<p>Mary Jane spent a year suffering from abdominal bloating, experienced a 20-pound weight loss, and was prescribed medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She visited several doctors before being correctly diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma at age 56.<\/p>\n<p>Getting a second opinion helps you make an even more informed decision about your health and future \u2014 especially if you\u2019ve only worked with a general oncologist (cancer doctor). A mesothelioma specialist has the experience and insights to know what to look for and get you the answers you need.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/liz-logan-eclipse.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;One of the most important things I tell patients is to find a doctor who really knows mesothelioma. Look for someone at a cancer center who sees a lot of cases every year. Experience makes a big difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Liz Logan, RN, Mesothelioma Hope Oncology Nurse Navigator<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h2>Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>Pleural mesothelioma is rare, and doctors sometimes confuse it with other lung problems. A study in <em>The Open Epidemiology Journal<\/em> found that about 1<strong> in 4 patients are first given the wrong diagnosis<\/strong>. This can delay treatment and make it harder to manage the disease effectively.<\/p>\n<h3>Early-Stage Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h3>\n<p>In its earlier stages (stages 1 and 2), pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. It\u2019s commonly misidentified as other respiratory conditions with similar symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about common misdiagnoses for early-stage pleural mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<h4>Emphysema<\/h4>\n<p>Emphysema occurs when the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) become damaged. Like mesothelioma, the condition gets progressively worse over time.<\/p>\n<p>Emphysema is typically recognized by two common symptoms \u2014 shortness of breath and a chronic cough. These are also common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other symptoms pleural mesothelioma and emphysema share include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Loss of appetite<\/li>\n<li>Lung infections<\/li>\n<li>Wheezing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Bronchitis and Chest Infections<\/h4>\n<p>Bronchitis and chest infections have many of the same symptoms as early-stage pleural mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Symptoms shared by all three conditions include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coughing<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty breathing<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Fluid buildup around the lungs (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/effusion\/\">pleural effusion<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, bronchitis and chest infections are typically caused by viruses. Pleural mesothelioma, on the other hand, develops when <a href=\"\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a> fibers cause cancerous cell mutations in the lung lining (pleura).<\/p>\n<h4>Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)<\/h4>\n<p>Early-stage pleural mesothelioma may also be mistaken for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition in which the lungs are damaged after exposure to irritants.<\/p>\n<p>COPD, which is commonly associated with smoking, is characterized by a chronic, phlegmy cough nicknamed \u201csmoker\u2019s cough.\u201d Chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath are other common symptoms of COPD.<\/p>\n<p>While smoking can certainly worsen pleural mesothelioma symptoms, the only known cause of this cancer is asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<h3>Late-Stage Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s still possible for a doctor to fail to diagnose pleural mesothelioma when a patient displays late-stage (stages 3 and 4) <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/\">mesothelioma symptoms<\/a> or after a cancerous tumor is discovered.<\/p>\n<p>In many cases, advanced-stage pleural mesothelioma is confused with a different type of cancer like lung cancer or adenocarcinoma. In some cases, it is diagnosed as pleural plaques, which are not a form of cancer but also stem from asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<h4>Lung Cancer<\/h4>\n<p>The damage pleural mesothelioma causes to the lung, as well as the tumors that appear, can be misdiagnosed as <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/mesothelioma-vs-lung-cancer\/\">lung cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While both pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer can be treated with surgery, pleural mesothelioma is often more aggressive and may require specific supplemental treatment options, such as heated chemotherapy.<\/p>\n<h4>Adenocarcinoma<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/mesothelioma-vs-adenocarcinoma\/\">Adenocarcinoma<\/a> is another form of cancer caused by tumors in the glands that line the lungs and other organs.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma behaves in a very similar manner to adenocarcinoma, which makes it possible for even experienced oncologists and surgeons to confuse the two cancers.<\/p>\n<h4>Pleural Plaques<\/h4>\n<p>People exposed to asbestos may develop <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/pleural-plaque\/\">pleural plaques<\/a>, a noncancerous condition in which a chalky substance builds up on the pleura.<\/p>\n<p>Because mesothelioma and pleural plaques are both located in the lung lining and caused by asbestos exposure, it\u2019s possible for doctors to mistake pleural plaques for pleural mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Pleural plaques are not cancer and usually don\u2019t cause any health problems, but they do show that<strong> you were exposed to asbestos in the past<\/strong>. Because asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, it\u2019s important to take this seriously. If plaques are found, consider getting a second opinion from a specialist to rule out mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about all the different ways mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed in our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>. This comprehensive book covers everything from diagnosis to treatment to help you feel informed and empowered.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Peritoneal Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>Peritoneal mesothelioma doesn\u2019t have one or two obvious symptoms like pleural mesothelioma. Instead, it shares symptoms with many other illnesses, making it more likely that medical professionals will mistake it for more common illnesses or types of cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nonspecific peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Abdominal pain and swelling (distention)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/effusion\/\">Ascites<\/a> (fluid buildup in the abdomen)<\/li>\n<li>Constipation<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n<li>Night sweats<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Ovarian Cancer<\/h4>\n<p>Peritoneal mesothelioma can be easily mistaken for <a href=\"\/blog\/asbestos-exposure-and-ovarian-cancer\/\">ovarian cancer<\/a>, as patients with both conditions often experience abdominal-related symptoms such as ascites, abdominal distention, and stomach pain.<\/p>\n<p>Several female patients have been eventually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after experiencing heavy menstrual cycles and other symptoms that were inaccurately associated with ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><a href=\"\/blog\/julie-gundlach-mesothelioma-survivor\/\">Julie Gundlach<\/a>, a 19+ year survivor, visited a doctor after experiencing digestive issues and ultimately underwent surgery for a pelvic mass that was thought to be ovarian cancer. It wasn\u2019t until after her surgery that she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Other Illnesses<\/h3>\n<p>There are several other illnesses that peritoneal mesothelioma is misdiagnosed as.<\/p>\n<p>Common misdiagnoses include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):<\/strong> IBS and mesothelioma share symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crohn\u2019s disease: <\/strong>Crohn\u2019s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes pain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can mimic the abdominal discomfort associated with peritoneal mesothelioma.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gallstones:<\/strong> These solid lumps of digestive fluid form in the gallbladder and cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms similar to peritoneal mesothelioma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you suspect a peritoneal mesothelioma misdiagnosis or have already been diagnosed, it\u2019s important to get a second opinion from an experienced specialist so you can start receiving proper treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>Importance of Avoiding a Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>Even if a doctor identifies your condition as mesothelioma, there can still be a misdiagnosis when it comes to determining the disease stage or cell type.<\/p>\n<p>Treating mesothelioma at different stages requires different approaches, which means that misdiagnosing the <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/stages\/\">mesothelioma stage<\/a> can be just as harmful as a misdiagnosis of the disease itself.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, only patients whose cancer is localized (early-stage) can undergo life-extending surgery to remove their tumors. Patients with advanced (late-stage) cancer are usually ineligible for surgeries but may be able to undergo chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, different <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/cell-types\/\">mesothelioma cell types<\/a> may respond differently to treatments. Having a proper diagnosis of your mesothelioma stage and cell type helps ensure that you can access the most effective treatments. The sooner you\u2019re able to start treatment, the better your chances of fighting this disease.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/jenna-tozzi-small.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;<strong>You are in the driver\u2019s seat<\/strong>. Resources \u2014 and the support of Patient Advocates like me and my team \u2014 are at your fingertips. I had to learn in my own life not to be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of these resources to overcome barriers to care.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Jenna Tozzi, RN, Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h2>Get Help With a Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>If you suspect you\u2019ve been misdiagnosed, it\u2019s critical to keep looking until you get answers. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you\u2019re fully informed and have all of the resources available to help you treat your illness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our team can help you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Find a mesothelioma specialist<\/li>\n<li>Understand your pathology report<\/li>\n<li>Get a second opinion<\/li>\n<li>Explore your treatment options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us for free<\/a> any time or get help right now by calling <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Mesothelioma Misdiagnosed FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can mesothelioma be wrongly diagnosed?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes, it can<\/strong>. Mesothelioma is rare, and its early symptoms often look like much more common conditions. Many people are first told they have pneumonia, bronchitis, or COPD because the signs overlap so closely.<\/p>\n<p>When treatments for those problems don\u2019t work, doctors may order more scans or a biopsy, which is usually when mesothelioma is discovered. This is why getting a second opinion can be so important.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What can mimic mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>The cancer that most often resembles mesothelioma is<strong> lung cancer<\/strong>, especially when it spreads to the lining around the lungs. Other cancers, like those that start in the breast, ovaries, or digestive system, can also spread to the chest or abdomen and look very similar.<\/p>\n<p>Even under a microscope, these cancers can be hard to tell apart. That is why doctors often use special lab tests that look for certain proteins in the tumor cells to confirm whether it is mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is mesothelioma difficult to diagnose?<\/h3><div><p>Yes. Mesothelioma is hard to diagnose for three distinct reasons:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Long latency period:<\/strong> Mesothelioma has a long <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/latency-period\/\">latency period<\/a>, which means that the time between asbestos exposure and the development of symptoms or diagnosis can be several decades (<strong>typically 10-50 years<\/strong>). This delay makes it difficult for doctors to connect a patient\u2019s symptoms with their exposure history.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-specific symptoms:<\/strong> In its early stages, mesothelioma often presents with mild and non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue, chest pain, and a persistent cough. These symptoms can easily be attributed to other common conditions, leading to a mesothelioma misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Similarity to other conditions:<\/strong> Many of the symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the chest), shortness of breath, and weight loss, can be seen in other lung and respiratory conditions, making it challenging to distinguish mesothelioma from these illnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can mesothelioma be misdiagnosed as COPD?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes.<\/strong> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. These are also frequent signs of pleural mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Because COPD is such a common illness, doctors may assume it\u2019s the cause of breathing problems. The main difference is that COPD affects the airways, while mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Why is mesothelioma so hard to diagnose?<\/h3><div><p>Because the symptoms look so much like other illnesses, many people with mesothelioma are first told they have ovarian cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, COPD, pneumonia, or heart disease. Most doctors don\u2019t suspect mesothelioma at first because it\u2019s so rare.<\/p>\n<p>Another difficulty is that mesothelioma cannot be confirmed with a basic scan or blood test. X-rays and CT scans may reveal fluid or tumors, but those results could point to many different diseases. These challenges are why mesothelioma misdiagnosis is common and why the cancer is commonly found in the later stages.<\/p>\n<p>If you want peace of mind, we can help you find a mesothelioma specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating this rare cancer. <a href=\"\/get-matched\/\">Use our Free Doctor Match to get started<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can mesothelioma be mistaken for something else?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes.<\/strong> Mesothelioma may be confused with pneumonia, COPD, asthma, lung cancer, or even heart problems like congestive heart failure. All of these conditions can cause chest pain, coughing, or fluid around the lungs.<\/p>\n<p>To be certain it\u2019s mesothelioma, doctors usually need to analyze fluid or tissue samples in addition to imaging tests.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can mesothelioma be wrongly diagnosed?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes, it can&lt;\/strong&gt;. Mesothelioma is rare, and its early symptoms often look like much more common conditions. Many people are first told they have pneumonia, bronchitis, or COPD because the signs overlap so closely.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;When treatments for those problems don\u2019t work, doctors may order more scans or a biopsy, which is usually when mesothelioma is discovered. 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Because only about 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, many doctors, especially those who don\u2019t specialize in cancer, may not recognize it right away. This is even more likely if the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"parent":121,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-820","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=820"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/820\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}