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.

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.

As exposure to asbestos continues and cases of mesothelioma increase, further research is needed to discover more effective ways of identifying and treating the disease. New treatments and even a cure may be found if asbestos related cancers can be detected earlier. Patients with mesothelioma, as well as their family members and friends, pay high financial and emotional costs. Potentially thousands of lives could be extended or saved with earlier detection of the disease.

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.