Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. While there is no cure for this cancer, early detection and treatment can help manage the disease. Many often wonder if mesothelioma can be detected in its early stages, which can help control it before it becomes aggressive. Detecting mesothelioma has been challenging. However, ongoing research offers hope for improving early detection rates of this disease. Notably, recent advancements in detection, including a breakthrough discovery by the Mayo Clinic in 2024, offer hope. For instance, the Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an innovative blood test that significantly improves early detection rates, marking this a significant step forward in diagnosing this devastating disease.
How is Mesothelioma Detected?
Mesothelioma is not easily detectable because no single test can confirm its presence. Doctors often rely on a combination of tests, such as imaging scans, blood tests, and lung function assessments, to identify the potential for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take up to 60 years to manifest fully, making imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, which check for abnormalities in the lungs or abdomen, inconclusive in fully establishing mesothelioma and distinguishing it from other illnesses. Blood tests, on the other hand, check for specific proteins and genetic markers linked to mesothelioma, such as fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs). Although these tests provide helpful indicators, they are not definitive enough for diagnosis.
For individuals with known asbestos exposure, doctors recommend routine imaging to monitor any changes in the lungs over time. However, the effectiveness of screening in detecting mesothelioma in its early stages is still uncertain. This is why the breakthrough by the Mayo Clinic is such a welcome call to many. This test identifies mesothelioma by testing complex patterns in the DNA of cancer cells, looking for any distinct alternations associated with mesothelioma. With this new approach, there is a potential for earlier diagnosis, meaning that treatment can start sooner, enhancing quality of life and potentially even increasing survival rates.
Importance of Early Screening for At-Risk Individuals
In many cases where mesothelioma is detected, patients often present themselves after experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, or unexpected weight loss. Sometimes, a mesothelioma misdiagnosis can also happen because other conditions show the same kind of symptoms, leading to cases where mesothelioma is overlooked until it has progressed.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, it is prudent to undergo regular screenings, even if you don’t exhibit any symptoms of mesothelioma. The most common high-risk individuals include:
- Workers in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries
- People exposed to asbestos through environmental contamination
- Military veterans who worked with asbestos-containing materials
- Family members who experienced secondary exposure from asbestos-covered clothing
- Individuals who have used asbestos-containing products, such as talcum powder
Since mesothelioma has a long latency period, sometimes taking decades to develop, regular checkups are crucial. They can help in early detection, giving you a better chance of identifying the disease before it reaches an advanced stage. Early diagnosis may also allow you to pursue compensation from responsible parties, helping you access necessary medical care without worrying about the financial implications on your loved ones.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.