Mesothelioma tests to identify the disease before clinical symptoms appear, could be very beneficial for early diagnosis. An early diagnosis could also support mesothelioma treatments. It has long been known that occupational exposure to Asbestos-whether it occurs through automobile work, construction, home renovation, or any number of other activities where Asbestos-containing products may be present-can cause Asbestos-related ailments, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and Asbestosis. Unfortunately, many of the clinical symptoms that go along with these diseases are subtle and the diseases themselves are usually not detected until they enter their later stages of development.
In recent years, however, the development of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been shown to be effective at detecting the presence of early-stage lung cancer in high-risk smokers. It is supposed that, in its beginning stages, malignant mesothelioma might look like a benign pleural plaque, which is a common finding in people following Asbestos exposure. As a possible
mesothelioma test for early diagnosis of mesothelioma, researchers in Toronto are currently employing low-dose computed tomography to serially image pleural plaques to see if it might be possible to incorporate this technology in an effort to diagnose mesothelioma before clinical symptoms manifest themselves.
The title of this study is "Early Diagnosis of Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Following Asbestos Exposure Using Low-Dose Computed Tomography". The principal investigators are Heidi C Roberts, MD and Brenda O'Sullivan of the University Health Network, Toronto. As of July, 2005, this study was still recruiting patients who have had previous exposure to Asbestos, at least 20 years ago, and documented pleural plaques.
For further information about this study, pleases click on the following link to visit
ClinicalTrials.gov.
Mesothelioma clinical symptoms often are subtle and don't appear until the later stages of the disease. Early detection and diagnosis could support mesothelioma treatments. Mesothelioma tests for early diagnosis could result from the clinical trial.
Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a lethal type of cancer that lodges mainly in the lining of the abdomen and lungs. Mesothelioma usually arises at least fifteen or more years after a person's first exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos can trigger mesothelioma even when the exposure occurs for a short period of time. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and exposure can take place without a worker being consciously aware that such an event has transpired. Mesothelioma occurs not only in people working directly with Asbestos products but also in bystanders and family members exposed to Asbestos dust. Mesothelioma tests for diagnosis and to support treatments are overdue.
Attorneys at LPK have prosecuted
mesothelioma lawsuits on behalf of mesothelioma victims in New York and New Jersey for more than twenty-five years.
