Mesothelioma victims participating in a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins are reportedly finding new hope in early detection and treatments for this deadly asbestos-related cancer.

Attacking an organ’s lining, mesothelioma has one known cause: asbestos exposure. Until now, it has been very difficult to diagnose. This year, a Johns Hopkins University research team announced it had succeeded in developing a new blood test for the early detection of mesothelioma and seven other types of cancer. A January 2019 news release said the blood test had more than a “99 percent specificity for cancer.”

What is Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of cancer known as mesothelioma. Specifically, the asbestos fibers that cause this particular disease are known as amphiboles, or “hard” asbestos. Varieties that have been used in ship-building, HVAC systems, and electrical insulation include crocidolite, or “blue” asbestos, and tremolite, also called “brown” asbestos.

Unlike the more common, “softer” serpentine variety of asbestos, crocidolite, and tremolite are made up of hard, needle-like fibers that when inhaled or ingested, drill through organ tissue from the inside out. This causes long-term inflammation, which medical scientists believe is the ultimate cause of mesothelioma.

In general, mesothelioma includes any cancer that occurs in the mesothelium – the thin layer of tissue covering the major organs. The type of mesothelioma depends on what lining is affected.

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura surrounding the lungs and is the most common form of the deadly cancer. This type of mesothelioma can result in symptoms such as chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest, and unexplained weight loss.

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum surrounding the abdominal organs. This version of mesothelioma can result in symptoms including abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.

Other forms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the pericardium around the heart) and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma (affecting the tissue around the testicles) are far rarer. Because of this, their symptoms are not as well documented. Pericardial mesothelioma could cause chest pain and breathing difficulties while testicular mesothelioma could be detected by swelling or a mass on the testicles.

Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma develops slowly over a period of decades. By the time symptoms present, the disease has progressed to Stage 3 or 4 and palliative care is all that can be offered.

Early Detection is Key

Patients participating in the 2019 Johns Hopkins study have been fortunate to have the disease diagnosed early enough for treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation may shrink the tumors, holding the cancer at bay.

In addition, some patients are able to participate in a trial for a new drug therapy that targets amino acid chains, known as mesothelin, that have been linked to mesothelioma, MedPage Today reports. While these are not cures for mesothelioma, the clinical trials are a significant and promising step in that direction.

About Asbestos Exposure

Virtually everyone on the planet has been exposed to asbestos at some point. However, most of this is of the chrysotile type, primarily serpentine. This was commonly used in insulation and building construction. Unlike amphiboles, serpentine fibers are soft and curly. Exposure to this type of asbestos usually results in asbestosis, or internal scarring of the lung.

Amphibole exposure usually is found among members of the military, miners, machinists and others working in heavy industry. Companies involved in the production of asbestos and asbestos products were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure as far back as the late 1930s; however, in order to protect their profits, these companies engaged in a conspiracy to hide this information from the general public, according to the Washington Post.

Even today, certain uses of asbestos are still legal in the U.S., while 60 other nations have banned the substance altogether. Because asbestos products can still be found in America, preventative measures may fall onto the consumers’ shoulders.

People who work in at risk industries should talk to their employer about their asbestos exposure and should use protective equipment when working with asbestos. If consumers have asbestos in their home, they should not attempt to handle it themselves. Experienced asbestos abatement companies can help remove the hazardous material while reducing the risk of exposure for both workers and residents.

Even with all of these measures, people can still develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Anyone who has contracted mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may have grounds to sue those responsible; an experienced mesothelioma asbestos lawyer can advise you of your rights in these matters.