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’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.

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.

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 cancer attorneys in the country.


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