Mesothelioma Early Detection Research
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos, either occupationally or non-occupationally, and are at risk of & developing mesothelioma. The incidence of mesothelioma cases is predicted to continue to increase at least until the year 2020. The numbers of people affected by an asbestos-related disease will be even higher in less developed countries where asbestos use continues.
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral that comes from the earth, was commonly used in many trades before the United States government banned its general use in the 1980’s. Until then, asbestos was added to thousands of industrial and construction materials that are still around in buildings, ships, and automobiles. When the materials become disturbed or damaged in any way, the asbestos fibers become airborne and create a health hazard.
When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavities and can cause mesothelioma to develop years later. After a long latency period of 10 to 40 years after exposure, symptoms begin to appear. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to and often confused with many other more common illnesses. The non-specificity of symptoms along with a long lag time between exposure and disease make mesothelioma very difficult to diagnose. The aim of current research is to identify tumors before they have reached advanced stages when interventions would be more effective.
Many research centers are dedicated to finding a cure and striving to find ways to improve clinical outcomes for those diagnosed with mesothelioma. One hope is to discover better ways to diagnose mesothelioma earlier. Early detection has been historically very difficult and imperfect.
In recent years, mesothelioma specialists have been exploring blood-based tumor markers in attempts to find early and reliable detection of the disease, especially with patients who seem to be at higher risk. Particularly, researchers have been looking into the use of serum biomarkers that would lead to noninvasive detection of malignant mesothelioma. One potential marker, a soluble mesothelin protein, has shown the most promising results in being most sensitive and specific to early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Other markers are also being explored but have yet to yield reliable results.
As exposure to asbestos continues and cases of mesothelioma increase, further research is needed to discover more effective ways of identifying and treating the disease. New treatments and even a cure may be found if asbestos related cancers can be detected earlier. Patients with mesothelioma, as well as their family members and friends, pay high financial and emotional costs. Potentially thousands of lives could be extended or saved with earlier detection of the disease.
Sally Clapper is a representative for the law offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason in Sausalito, CA. If you or someone you know is in need of a mesothelioma attorney, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As experts in the field of mesothelioma law, the firm’s attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs’ asbestos litigation attorneys in the country.
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