-November 8, 2007
Many doctors agree that diagnosing mesothelioma can be a difficult task seeing as many of the symptoms are similar with a number of other conditions.
According to doctors from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed through a careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings.
How Doctors Come to a Diagnosis
Mesothelioma specialist from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, typically begin a diagnosis with a review of the patient’s medical history.
A main factor with finding out a patient’s medical history is discovering whether or not they have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
Radiological studies, including chest X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also play a crucial role in the diagnosis process.
Importance of the X-Ray, CT, and MRI
A Chest X-ray is used to show any thickening of the pleura that is occurring in the patient.
CT scans can help define the extent and progress of the tumor through an X-ray procedure that produces cross-sectional images of the body.
The MRI is generally a step above the CT because it is better at evaluating invasion through the thin muscle at in the lung cage that is responsible for breathing known as the diaphragm.
After giving the patient a health exam with the help of these technologies doctors are typically able to determine whether or not the patient has mesothelioma.
(Source: IMPmeso.com)
Do you want more information regarding mesothelioma? Contact us today to speak with someone who specializes in mesothelioma cases and will enable you to receive more information on this deadly illness.