Early Stage Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Today the only proven cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Diagnosis mesothelioma is often difficult, because mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos and symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions.

The importance of early diagnosis for mesothelioma cancer patients cannot be overemphasized. If you have a history of asbestos exposure-whether from a workplace, your home, or at a public building such as a school- it's in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable doctor even if you have no symptoms of mesothelioma cancer or other asbestos-caused disease.

In this connection,very promissing news came from Australia. Professor Bruce Robinson the Scientific Director of the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases published the world's first blood test for the diagnosis, monitoring and early detection of mesothelioma. This gives the opportunity to develop effective mesothelioma treatment methods on the early stage of disease.

Mesothelioma cancer is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.

Most cases of mesothelioma cancer begin in the pleura but it may also occur in the peritoneum, the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis. Mesothelioma cancer is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos therefore this disease is also known as asbestos cancer. Most people who develop mesothelioma cancer have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

reference: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/eearly-stage-mesothelioma-diagnosis-789678.html