Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging. Generally, a physician will perform a full physical exam during which s/he may take x-rays of the chest and abdomen and test for respiratory (lung) function. X-rays may be supplemented with advanced imaging techniques such as a CAT scan or an MRI. If your physician has concerns, s/he will refer you to an oncologist, or cancer specialist.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful.

Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-lee-OH-muh) is specific type of cancer which invades the mesothelium. As with all cancers, it consists of cells that begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. As these cells grow and multiply, they damage the healthy tissue around them. Cancer can metastasize, or spread from their place of origin, affecting other parts of the body. Mesothelioma starts in what is known as the pleura, or peritoneum.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical...

While cancer diagnoses have increased dramatically over the past quarter century (over 25% of the U.S. population will suffer from some type of cancer in their lifetime), mesothelioma is still relatively rare. Around 2,000 new cases are reported in the U.S. every year; most of these patients are older men. However, women are also known to suffer from the disease, and it can strike at any age.

Those who have been exposed to asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. 70 to 80% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed are in patients who had worked with the substance at some point in their lives. There have been cases in which the patient had had no known asbestos exposure, however. Tobacco usage by itself does not increase the likelihood of contracting mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos run a far greater risk of lung cancer.

Those who have worked in building, construction and demolition, or in the manufacture of products that involve heating or are designed for heat exposure have an elevated risk for developing this disease. The longer and more concentrated the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting the disease. However, there have been cases of mesothelioma in patients who had little or no exposure. Conversely, not everyone who is exposed to the substance develops the disease. The U.S.

Currently, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials that are attempting to find alternative treatments as well as improve present ones. If you are interested in participating, discuss this with your doctor, then call 1-800-4CANCER. You can also find more information on the World Wide Web by going to http://www.cancer.gov. Here, you will find news on clinical trials and a catalogue of useful publications.

Several ways have been suggested to diminish the diagnostic error that occurs if diagnosis is based solely on the clinical picture of suspected appendicitis. In fact appendicitis is a disease, which can mimic most of the causes of abdominal pain as well as some of the chest diseases. Despite new x-ray techniques, CT scans and ultrasounds, the diagnosis of appendicitis can be quite challenging.