SCI/TECH: Asbestos Related Lung Cancer May Be Able To Be Detected By Blood Test.

Researchers at the New York School of Medicine have found a protein, "osteopontin" that is raised by up to six times in blood levels of people with Mesothelioma Tumours. At present the testing for the disease is such that the tumour is only detected at to late a stage for effective treatment and this new test could lead to much earlier diagnosis of the tumour. The researchers are still studying to determine if the survival rates of sufferers with pleural mesothelioma is actually improved by the early detection of the tumours.



This protein can also be used to determine if a patient is at risk of contracting this tumour. They then can be monitored closely.

This is a potential hope for sufferers and this protein may possibly lead to a cure for this type of cancer.


[edit on 14-10-2005 by Mayet]

[edit on 14-10-2005 by Mayet]

just a note, mesothelioma is a cancer of the intestinal lining, it is not the same as lung cancer.

There are three main diseases asociated with asbestos exposure.

Lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis (thickening of the lung tissue).

as noted in the article this is Pleural mesothelioma. Pleural means of the lungs. This is a specific type of mesothelioma tumour. There are three main types I believe.

[edit on 14-10-2005 by Mayet]

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs.

Lung Cancer is a cancer of the lungs themselves.

it's a moot point, anyway.

Both are deadly.

Ok I understand now. The article led me to believe it was actual asbestos related lung cancer and I still have questions that I will go and research now.