Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to live with, and it is also a difficult disease to detect. Cancer that affects the lining around the lungs and stomach resembles many other ailments, especially in the early stages, which leads to its later detection.
- How do doctors detect mesothelioma?
Many of the physical warning signs are similar to other problems, like musculoskeletal distention or chest pain. As a result, physicians generally do not suspect mesothelioma unless a patient history includes exposure to environmental causes.
- What are the causes that generally indicate mesothelioma?
The main suspected cause of the cancer is asbestos, a crystalline material that was often used as insulation against heat and flame during the 20th century. When the solid tiles or panels get chipped or broken, the dust is suspected by researchers to lead to the ailment through respiration.
- How can doctors look for and confirm mesothelioma?
Physicians have found certain substances in the blood of patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of the disease. These substances, including a type of protein called fibulin-3, are often detectable in later stages of mesothelioma, so researchers continue to look for ways of applying this knowledge to early diagnosis.
- What are the options for mesothelioma patients?
Several options exist for medical treatment, and patients may need help with financing expensive or experimental medical trials. An attorney can help determine if the ailment can be tracked back to a specific manufacturer or user of asbestos in an industrial or residential setting. No one should have to deal with the consequences of this diagnosis without help.