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.
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.
Some clinical studies have been looking into serological markers for early detection of malignant mesothelioma, especially in patients known to have high risk due to genealogy or exposure. New serum biomarkers are being researched that hopefully will lead to ways of recognizing and diagnosing mesothelioma symptoms before tumors have progressed to late stages. SMRP, a soluble mesothelin-related protein, is one such marker. Others that are being investigated are osteopontin and combinations of new and known biomarkers.
More and more is being discovered about patients who may be at a higher risk and efforts continue to find ways of diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. If the cancer can be identified in early stages, or even before tumors develop, new therapies and perhaps even a cure could be found. For mesothelioma patients, family members and loved ones, the costs both financially and emotionally are high. Finding ways to detect mesothelioma early could benefit millions of people who have been exposed to asbestos worldwide.
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.
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.
Some clinical studies have been looking into serological markers for early detection of malignant mesothelioma, especially in patients known to have high risk due to genealogy or exposure. New serum biomarkers are being researched that hopefully will lead to ways of recognizing and diagnosing mesothelioma symptoms before tumors have progressed to late stages. SMRP, a soluble mesothelin-related protein, is one such marker. Others that are being investigated are osteopontin and combinations of new and known biomarkers.
More and more is being discovered about patients who may be at a higher risk and efforts continue to find ways of diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. If the cancer can be identified in early stages, or even before tumors develop, new therapies and perhaps even a cure could be found. For mesothelioma patients, family members and loved ones, the costs both financially and emotionally are high. Finding ways to detect mesothelioma early could benefit millions of people who have been exposed to asbestos worldwide.
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 lawyer, 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 attorneys in the country.
