Mesothelioma is an uncommon malignancy caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. Millions of people in the United States alone have been exposed to asbestos and are in danger of developing malignant mesothelioma. The number of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma is expected to continue to rise until 2020. In undeveloped countries where the use of asbestos has not been banned, the rate of asbestos-related disease will climb higher and for much longer.
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that, until the mid'80'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.
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, become embedded in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart and lay dormant for many years. Only decades later do symptoms of mesothelioma begin to appear. Even then symptoms can be very general and are often very difficult to identify. The challenge then becomes diagnosing the disease early before it reaches more advanced stages.
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.
Research is now focusing on finding blood based biomarkers that would be successful in identifying malignant mesothelioma, especially in high risk patients. New serological markers are being explored that may prove valuable in early detection. One particular protein, soluble mesothelin, has shown some promise in specifying asbestos related mesothelioma. Others proteins, such as osteopontin and also combinations of markers and new modalities, have been tried with insufficient 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. - 29763
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that, until the mid'80'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.
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, become embedded in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart and lay dormant for many years. Only decades later do symptoms of mesothelioma begin to appear. Even then symptoms can be very general and are often very difficult to identify. The challenge then becomes diagnosing the disease early before it reaches more advanced stages.
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.
Research is now focusing on finding blood based biomarkers that would be successful in identifying malignant mesothelioma, especially in high risk patients. New serological markers are being explored that may prove valuable in early detection. One particular protein, soluble mesothelin, has shown some promise in specifying asbestos related mesothelioma. Others proteins, such as osteopontin and also combinations of markers and new modalities, have been tried with insufficient 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. - 29763
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 mesothelioma attorney, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As experts in the field of mesothelioma, the firm's attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs' asbestos litigation attorneys in the nation.
