Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can identify the disease with a physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory work. Doctors can also conduct a biopsy, which involves removing tissue and examining it under a magnifying lens. A pleural biopsy can be performed by using chest X-rays or a CT scan to guide the needle into the lung lining. The procedure can be not invasive and could have the potential of producing false-negative results. Diagnosis It can take time to identify mesothelioma because it is a rare form of cancer. Your doctor will s