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 refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that, until the mid 1980's, was widely manufactured, distributed and used in many industries. Thousands of asbestos containing products continue to exist in buildings, ships and automobiles today. When these materials are disturbed or damaged, such as through demolition, asbestos can be released into the air and create a risk to public health.
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the body and years later develop into mesothelioma. Symptoms of the disease often do not appear until 20 - 40 years after initial exposure. Not only is there a long latency period, but once symptoms do appear they are not easy to identify. Therefore, diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult and does not occur until tumors have reached advanced stages.
Around the world, scientists and doctors are researching ways to improve diagnostic and treatment methods of mesothelioma. One area of research is focusing on ways to detect the disease earlier. To date, identifying mesothelioma accurately and in early stages has proven to be very challenging.
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.
Researchers continue their efforts to find new markers to use in the evaluation of patients who have a history of asbestos exposure. If mesothelioma can be detected earlier, new treatments and even a cure might be discovered. The costs of treating mesothelioma are high, both to patients and family members as well as financially. Any advances in detection methods would be useful for diagnosis of the disease and could possibly save thousands of lives.
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that, until the mid 1980's, was widely manufactured, distributed and used in many industries. Thousands of asbestos containing products continue to exist in buildings, ships and automobiles today. When these materials are disturbed or damaged, such as through demolition, asbestos can be released into the air and create a risk to public health.
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the body and years later develop into mesothelioma. Symptoms of the disease often do not appear until 20 - 40 years after initial exposure. Not only is there a long latency period, but once symptoms do appear they are not easy to identify. Therefore, diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult and does not occur until tumors have reached advanced stages.
Around the world, scientists and doctors are researching ways to improve diagnostic and treatment methods of mesothelioma. One area of research is focusing on ways to detect the disease earlier. To date, identifying mesothelioma accurately and in early stages has proven to be very challenging.
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.
Researchers continue their efforts to find new markers to use in the evaluation of patients who have a history of asbestos exposure. If mesothelioma can be detected earlier, new treatments and even a cure might be discovered. The costs of treating mesothelioma are high, both to patients and family members as well as financially. Any advances in detection methods would be useful for diagnosis of the disease and could possibly save thousands of lives.
About the Author:
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 attorney for mesothelioma, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As experts in the legal field of mesothelioma, the firm's attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs' asbestos attorneys in the nation.
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