YOUNG AGAIN FOREVER.com

Occupational Lung Diseases: Diagnosis
In case of diseases which are the result of inhalation of hazardous substances, we would strongly advise any worker exposed to harmful substances to take out a hazardous material insurance to safeguard himself and his family.

Early dignosis will make all the difference.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Silicosis, Pneumconiosis,Byssinosis can be aided by a simple diagnostic test called MESOMARK .


Mesomark is a simple blood test that may make ease the process of diagnosis of the fatal diseases asbestosis and mesothelioma. The diagnostic aids available till now for diagnosis of these fatal conditions has recently been supplemented by this breakthrough, non-invasive blood test developed by Professor Bruce Robinson and a team of researchers at the University of Western Australia.

Mesothelioma & Asbestosis: As both asbestosis and mesothelioma are asbestos related diseases the process of diagnosis is similar. Presently, diagnosis is a long process which includes blood tests, chest x-rays, CT scans, and drainage, together with laboratory analysis of the pleural fluid to help differentiate mesothelioma from other similar conditions.

The first step is a chest X-ray to identify signs of thickening of the pleura. Lung function tests may also be recommended; with a view to assessing how serious are the breathing problems. The various diagnostic aids available are given below:
~ X-ray
~ lung function test
~ sputum examination for asbestos fibers
~ CT scanning/ MRI
~ biopsy of pleural tissue to confirm mesothelioma
~ drainage and laboratory analysis of the pleural fluid to differentiate mesothelioma from other similar conditions
~ a newly developed blood test, MESOMARK

" MESOMARK is the first in-vitro diagnostic test for patients with mesothelioma and has the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with this aggressive and often fatal disease." said Dr. Jeffrey Allard, vice-president and chief scientific officer at Fujrebo Diagnostics Inc. (FDI), a world leader in oncology testing.

Developed only recently by Australian researchers, the test works by identifying a group of molecular markers called soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRP), which are released into the blood-stream by mesothelioma cells. Because SMRP levels can be higher than normal for several years before an actual diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, MESOMARK will be able to identify any abnormalities. In this way it may help in the routine monitoring of asbestos exposed individuals who are at greatest risk for developing mesothelioma. Accordingly, this test may lead to detection of mesothelioma at an early and potentially curable stage.

The blood test measures the amount of protein in the blood. A patient who returned a low reading would register a negative result. But if the patient returned a high reading they would be sent for a second test to confirm the result.

Originally it was developed for cervical cancer at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in the US, but Professor Robinson has adapted MESOMARK for testing mesothelioma. It will be a valuable diagnostic aid for doctors.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening:
~ X-ray
~ lung function test

Byssinosis:
~ X-ray
~ lung function test

Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis: is most often detected by way of an x-ray taken for another reason, before the symptoms show themselves.
Another effective test checks blood gases. Measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of many lung disorders.
~ X-ray
~ lung function test
~ tests that measure blood gases

Silicosis:
~ X-ray
~ lung Function Test

Occupational Asthma:
~ X-ray
~ lung Function Test

Industrial Bronchitis:
~ X-ray
~ lung Function Test

Anyone in an advanced stage of the disease is at increased risk of premature death.

Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Articles