More than 22,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2009

The following was released today by the College of American Pathologists:

WHAT: It is expected that more than 22,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2009. Senator Ted Kennedy's death from a brain cancer draws attention to a rare, but often fatal type disease. While the risk of developing brain cancer is relatively low, it is important to heed the warning signs and receive an accurate diagnosis.

Pathologists are doctors who examine tissues, cells, and body fluids to diagnose cancer, including malignant brain tumors, in order to assist in making treatment decisions. A biopsy of the tumor will be examined under a microscope by a surgical pathologist or in many cases, a neuropathologist, to determine the type of tumor and assign a grade.

When a pathologist examines the tissue of the biopsy, two questions are asked:

• What type of brain cell did the tumor arise from?
• Do the tumor cells show signs of rapid growth?

The answers to these questions will help to determine the patient's treatment.

WHO: Matthew A. Zarka, MD, FCAP, from Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., can offer the pathologist's perspective.

WHY: Dr. Zarka is available to explain warning signs, how the pathologist makes the diagnosis and how, together with the primary care physician, the next steps are determined. He can also share information about a free website, www.MyBiopsy.org, which provides information on glioblastoma, the type of brain tumor that Senator Kennedy had. In addition, Dr. Zarka is available to share a personal message as his sister was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme) more than three years ago.

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society that serves more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.