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While it is vital to establishing life expectancy and appropriate treatment, ensuring correct and prompt diagnosis of mesothelioma can also help those affected by the disease in their efforts to receive speedy compensation.
For a long time the accepted method of testing for the asbestos cancer has been to perform a pleural fluid cytology: a laboratory method of checking for cancerous cells in the area surrounding the patient's lungs.
However, in 2009 the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported on a new test that has been developed Oxford University. It focuses on measuring levels of the protein mesothelin in the pleural fluid, something the researchers believe to be a more accurate way of distinguishing mesothelioma from other lung cancers.
And the test has other benefits too, not least the fact it is less traumatic than a pleural fluid cytology. Dr Paul Beckett of the British Thoracic Society explains, "A simple test which can exclude the diagnosis without resort to more invasive methods would be welcomed, allowing a more streamlined diagnostic pathway both for those with and without the disease.
"Such a pathway would be expected to lead to more rapid diagnosis and therefore treatment and perhaps improve the outlook for this disease, as well as avoiding unnecessary tests in those who don't have mesothelioma."
One of the researchers, Dr Helen Davies, indicated that the test could make a significant difference to the quality of patient care. "This study suggests a way for clinicians to more readily identify cases… from the start," she said.
She also said that because the cancer "has a median survival time of 12 months, minimising the number of invasive procedures and tests patients require is crucial to reduce morbidity and the time they need to spend in hospital.
"An earlier diagnosis also allows speedier interventions to relieve symptoms as well as initiation of other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy if appropriate.
And, according to Davies, the test could have a bearing on the future of asbestos litigation, "Claims for worker's compensation may also be instigated once the diagnosis is confirmed."
Make a claim for asbestos compensation - leading solicitors, a cost free service
Once a diagnosis of mesothelioma has been confirmed, many people will seek to claim compensation for the condition; it is a legal and civil right.
Although no amount of money can ever truly compensate for the tragedy of the illness, damages can help provide for pain and suffering, medical expenses and loss of earnings, as well as the future of a claimant's estate.
We provide a completely cost free service for this type of claim, win or lose, and, with our 100 percent compensation agreement, guarantee that no cut will ever be taken from any settlement awarded.
For advice, help and support, please contact us on 0800 10 757 95, through echat or by completing our brief claim form and one of our mesothelioma experts will be ready to help you.
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