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Testing improves for mesothelioma - asbestos related cancer
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Scientists believe they have come up with a much more sensitive test for diagnosing asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs which normally develops due to exposure to asbestos fibres. The cancer often takes a long time to develop eg 10-40 years after exposure to asbestos.
Due to the long lag time between exposure and development of this cancer mesothelioma victims often have a very limited life expectancy which is not helped by the fact that it is very difficult to treat. This is mainly due to the location of the cancer on the surface of the lung and the fact that it does not respond very well to chemotherapy.
Currently the test for mesothelioma relies on doctors carrying out a pleural fluid cytology. This test requires a sample of lung fluid to be obtained for laboratory analysis. It is an uncomfortable procedure that carries with it the risk of the cancer spreading along the track of the biopsy needle. Radiotherapy to the site of the biopsy is required.
The new test looks for raised levels of the protein mesothelin which can be identified from a blood test. It is hoped that this information will enable clinicians to identify cases of mesothelioma from the start and avoid any unnecessary invasive procedures and tests for patients.
Dr Paul Beckett of the British Thoracic Society commented: "Such a pathway would be expected to lead to more rapid diagnosis and therefore treatment and perhaps improve the outlook for this disease, as well as avoiding unnecessary tests in those who don't have mesothelioma."
A quicker means of diagnosis also means that victims of mesothelioma will be able to put in a claim for worker's compensation more quickly and start the claims process much sooner.
If you have been affected by an asbestos related illness you could be entitled to compensation. Give our asbestos disease team a call on 0800 634 1626 or send us your enquiry via email using our online enquiry form.
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Emma Costin
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24/08/2009
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