Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can determine the condition by physical exam, imaging tests and lab work. Doctors may also conduct a biopsy to remove tissues and examine them under a microscope. A pleural biopsy can be performed with a chest X-ray or a CT scan to guide the needle into the lung lining. The procedure is injurious and can produce false-negative results. Diagnosis It takes time to diagnose mesothelioma, as it is a rare form of cancer. Your doctor will start by taking a medical history and then performing an examination of your bo