Mesothelioma, the type of cancer that affects the mesothelium commonly associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos, is also characterized by its long latency period. Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years following an individual’s exposure to manifest, which is often long after the individual retired from the career where he or she was exposed to asbestos.
As with other types of cancer, early detection can make a tremendous difference in a patient’s prognosis. The lack of a reliable early diagnostic tool for mesothelioma is a contributing factor for the low survival rate of this type of cancer, but this could change in the near future. MorNuCo Laboratories, an Indiana-based research firm dedicated to creating new technologies to fight cancer and other diseases, recently announced that in a clinical trial of its ONCOblot Test, a mesothelioma-specific form of the ENOX2 protein could be detected in a victim more than six years before he or she began to exhibit mesothelioma symptoms.
Increasing the Survival Rate for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma’s progress is measured in four stages. While treatment protocols are different for each patient, in stage one surgery in combination with other treatments is often used to remove the cancer and can be fairly successful to prolong survival. In stage two, surgery can still be used to treat the patient but can be more difficult. By stage three, the cancer can be found beyond its original development point in the body and generally, surgically removing the cancer is no longer feasible. By stage four, it cannot be removed and doctors rely on palliative measures to make the patient comfortable.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma is currently five to ten percent. The tools used now to initially diagnose mesothelioma, such as chest x-rays, PET scans and CT scans, are only effective after the patient has begun to experience mesothelioma symptoms such as chest pain, breathing issues and persistent coughing. The ONCOblot Test could save lives because the earlier mesothelioma is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Fight to Ensure You Receive the Compensation You Deserve
Mesothelioma can cause a victim and his or her family to suffer a significant financial burden. If you or a loved one is suffering from this disease, consider seeking compensation through a mesothelioma claim. To get started, speak with a member of our team of Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Shein Law. Our offices are located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, allowing us to serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Complete our online contact form or call our offices at 1-877-SHEIN-LAW (743-4652) to schedule an in-person consultation with our firm today.