Mesothelioma is believed to have been caused by exposure to asbestos. It can form around the organs in the chest cavity and abdomen cavity. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed become lodged in or around these areas. The cells affected multiply rapidly and form a mass, which is a tumor. If a piece of the mass breaks off and travels to another part of the body it can reattach and multiply in its new location.
To locate these tumors, there are three types of scans available. They are:
CAT scans – can see objects (masses) underneath body parts (organs and bones) that can’t be detected through the use of x-rays. X-rays take a flat picture, whereas a CAT scan takes pictures from several angles at one time and puts them together as a three-dimensional images. This of course, allows doctors to see tumors that would otherwise be hidden from view.
MRI scans – create images that are clearer than x-rays through electromagnetic radiation. This technology has allowed doctors to operate at an earlier stage as the smaller, less clear beginning stages of mesothelioma can now be detected.
X-rays – these are the traditional method, and still used today for diagnosing mesothelioma because the tumors are often in areas where they can be easily seen. X-rays are usually taken first and then possibly MRI scans and CAT scans.
In cases where a person can’t lie down in order to be able to have a CAT scan or an MRI scan, an X-ray is still the easiest way to see what might be wrong inside the body.