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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, 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’80’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.

Research centers worldwide are committed to finding ways to improve diagnostic methods and discover new treatments and hopefully a cure for mesothelioma. One area of focus is early detection of malignant mesothelioma. Despite numerous studies, accurately identifying markers and symptoms of the disease continues to be very challenging.

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.

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 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 attorneys in the country.