Possible Improvement in Mesothelioma Diagnosis -- MesoLink.org -- 07-09-04

It has recently been discovered that a protein that is naturally found in the blood could help to speed up the diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is also thought that this protein can help to pinpoint those who are at risk of developing mesothelioma at a later date.

At present the diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a long and arduous process, and very often the delay caused by diagnosis can reduce the chances of successful treatment. Mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer that has an unusually long latency period, often twenty to thirty years. This means that, by the time symptom of the disease become evident it is already going into advanced stages. However, the symptoms of the disease are very non-specific and can be confused with other common ailments. This makes the diagnosis of this cancer difficult, hence causing further delays.

It is hoped that the presence of this protein in the blood will make it possible to pick up on the presence of mesothelioma far earlier. Equally as important, it could help to identify those who are at risk of developing the cancer, and therefore regular checks and screenings can be arranged in order to monitor the onset and development of cancer and initiate timely treatment.

The presence of the protein was identified as a significant marker in the presence or risk of mesothelioma following tests on patients suffering from different types of cancer.

This protein, known as Soluble Mesothelin-Related protein was found in nearly ninety percent of mesothelioma patients but was only present in around two percent of patients with other types of cancer.