Tamara Burns  |  May 25, 2016

Category: Consumer News

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mesothelioma news announces new studies

According to recent mesothelioma news, two new tests on the horizon are expected to help doctors diagnose mesothelioma earlier and with more accuracy.

The lab tests are being developed by pathologists in Canada and France and are specifically attempting to differentiate cells on the mesothelial membrane in order to determine if the growth is benign or malignant.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for decades in building materials, automotive parts and on many military applications.

Though mesothelioma is rare, it is one of the most deadly cancers. It is also difficult to detect because the symptoms of mesothelioma mimic those of other less serious diseases and other cancers.

The mesothelium is a membrane that lines the lungs and abdomen, and when it is imaged, benign growths on the mesothelium can look very similar to cancerous mesothelioma cells.

Current mesothelioma news indicates two recently-developed tests may help in diagnosing mesothelioma victims at an earlier stage with improved diagnostic accuracy.

Two Tests That May Help Mesothelioma Victims

The breakthroughs by the French and Canadian pathologists center around the application of two new tests to assist in mesothelioma diagnosis.

The first test is a gene test to measure the level of p16, a tumor suppressor protein that is often found to be deleted (missing) in people later diagnosed with mesothelioma. A FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test is now able to detect the p16 deletion that is present in mesothelioma victims.

The second test is for a molecular marker called the BRCA-associated protein (BAP1). Some may notice the BRCA mention as being linked to breast cancer tumors. The BAP1 test looks at the loss of this protein in mesothelioma tissues.

With both tests, the researchers found the markers to be “highly specific” for the detection of mesothelioma. This means that if the test is positive, you can be certain a person has mesothelioma.

However, since the tests were not very “sensitive” for mesothelioma, this means they cannot reliably identify if a person has mesothelioma because it may give a false negative.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

The most updated mesothelioma news on life expectancy from Mesothelioma.com states the following:

“Median life expectancy for mesothelioma patients usually ranges from 12 to 21 months, depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, with approximately 40 percent of patients living beyond one year and 20 percent living beyond two years.”

Mesothelioma life expectancy is so short because it is usually only diagnosed in its later stages. Hopefully, with the development and application of the two new tests, mesothelioma life expectancy will be lengthened with earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you or a loved were mesothelioma victims following asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can review your case for free to determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit to reclaim damages related to your condition.

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Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, mesothelioma lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavity, you may be able to take legal action against the companies responsible. Don’t delay – in most states the statute of limitations is two years to file an asbestos lawsuit after you’re diagnosed. Obtain a free and confidential case evaluation be filling out the form below.

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