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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.

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.

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 attorney for mesothelioma, 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 United States..

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