How to Get a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Houston

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be life-altering—especially for Houston residents exposed to asbestos through work in oil refineries, shipyards, construction sites, or chemical plants. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical not only for pursuing life-extending treatments but also for protecting your legal rights. At Robins Cloud LLP, we help individuals in Houston navigate the medical and legal process of mesothelioma diagnosis and compensation.

Call our Houston mesothelioma attorneys at (888) 495-1250 for a free case review and help getting the diagnosis and care you need.

Understanding Mesothelioma and Why Diagnosis Is Difficult

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer most often caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. It commonly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal), heart (pericardial), or testicles (testicular). Because the disease may not present symptoms for 20–50 years, many Houston residents are unaware of their condition until it has advanced.

Symptoms like persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal swelling can mimic other illnesses, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Specialized tests and experienced medical teams are essential.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Houston

1. Consultation and Exposure History

The first step involves meeting with a healthcare provider familiar with asbestos-related conditions. They will ask about:

Work in oil refineries, shipyards, or construction in Houston
Secondary exposure (e.g., family members exposed via clothing)
Ongoing respiratory or abdominal symptoms

Sharing your complete occupational and environmental history is critical.

2. Imaging Tests

If you are at risk or show symptoms, imaging will be the next step. Houston cancer centers offer advanced scans such as:

Chest X-rays – Detect fluid buildup or masses in the lungs
CT scans – Provide detailed views of potential tumors or inflammation
MRI/PET scans – Help determine the cancer's spread and assist surgical planning

These tests are widely available at top Houston hospitals like MD Anderson and Houston Methodist.

3. Biopsy Procedures

A definitive mesothelioma diagnosis requires a biopsy. Depending on the affected area, you may undergo:

Needle biopsy – Minimally invasive tissue sampling
Thoracoscopy or laparoscopy – Surgical sampling using a camera-guided scope
Open surgical biopsy – For more complex or inaccessible tumors

Pathologists at Houston’s top cancer institutions are skilled in identifying mesothelioma subtypes (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic).

4. Blood Tests and Biomarkers

While not diagnostic alone, blood tests can support findings. Elevated levels of mesothelin, fibulin-3, or osteopontin may indicate mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options in Houston

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, early treatment can extend survival and improve quality of life. Common therapies include:

Surgery to remove tumors or affected tissue
Thoracentesis or Paracentesis to drain excess fluid
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Immunotherapy or clinical trials, often available at top Houston cancer centers

Multimodal treatment (a combination of therapies) is often recommended based on cancer stage and overall health.

Top Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Houston

Houston is home to several world-class cancer treatment institutions that serve as national leaders in mesothelioma care:

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Located in the Texas Medical Center, MD Anderson is consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals in the world. The Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson offers comprehensive care, including:

Multidisciplinary teams with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and pulmonologists
Access to innovative clinical trials
Advanced imaging and diagnostics
Personalized treatment plans using the latest protocols

Patients at MD Anderson often benefit from multimodal treatment and may qualify for experimental therapies not widely available elsewhere.

Houston Methodist Cancer Center

Houston Methodist is another respected facility offering specialized care for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Patients receive coordinated care through a team of oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and palliative care experts. Houston Methodist is also involved in ongoing clinical trials focused on immunotherapy and novel chemotherapy combinations.

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center

As a leading academic medical center in Houston, Baylor St. Luke’s offers advanced surgical treatments for mesothelioma, including minimally invasive procedures when possible. It’s affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, which conducts extensive mesothelioma research and offers patients opportunities to participate in promising clinical trials.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (for Veterans)

For veterans exposed to asbestos during military service, the Houston VA Medical Center provides mesothelioma treatment through the VA’s specialized mesothelioma program, including:

Oncologist consultations
Palliative and supportive care
Referrals to VA centers of excellence for mesothelioma, like the Boston or Los Angeles VA Medical Centers

Houston veterans can often access these services at little to no cost, and our attorneys can assist in coordinating claims through the VA.

Clinical Trials and Research in Houston

Because mesothelioma is rare and difficult to treat, clinical trials offer hope to many patients. These studies test new drugs, combination therapies, and treatment methods. Houston’s research hospitals—especially MD Anderson—are frequently at the forefront of mesothelioma research, offering patients access to therapies not yet available elsewhere.

Participation in a clinical trial can sometimes significantly improve outcomes, especially for those with advanced-stage or treatment-resistant mesothelioma.

How Long Does Diagnosis Take?

Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis can take several weeks to months, depending on:

How quickly appointments, scans, and biopsies are scheduled
Availability of experienced specialists
Whether a second opinion is needed

Prompt action is crucial. Delays can limit treatment options and reduce the potential for compensation.

After Diagnosis: What Comes Next?

1. Start Treatment Immediately

Houston’s top cancer centers offer cutting-edge therapies including:

Surgery (EPP or P/D)
Chemotherapy and radiation
Immunotherapy and clinical trials
Thoracentesis or paracentesis to manage fluid buildup

Multimodal treatment often yields the best results and should be started as soon as possible.

2. Get Legal Support

Mesothelioma is almost always linked to asbestos exposure—often due to employer negligence or unsafe working conditions. At Robins Cloud LLP, we:

Review your exposure and work history
Help you secure financial compensation
Assist veterans with VA claims
Handle all legal paperwork while you focus on recovery

3. Consider a Second Opinion

Misdiagnoses are common. If you suspect an error—or if your diagnosis is unclear—seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist in Houston.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

A correct and timely mesothelioma diagnosis affects:

Treatment eligibility (some clinical trials are stage-specific)
Survival rates (early treatment = better outcomes)
Compensation claims (proof of diagnosis is necessary for legal action)

Contact Robins Cloud LLP – Your Houston Mesothelioma Attorneys

If you or a loved one has symptoms of mesothelioma or has received a diagnosis, don’t face this alone. At Robins Cloud LLP, we connect you with trusted physicians, assist with legal claims, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (888) 495-1250 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your health.