Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The Wake Forest School of Medicine as well as the FirstHealth of the Carolinas Clinical Trials Department possess partnered for a research study that is using a look at the development as well as progression of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related lung diseases as well as cancers. The principal investigator in this study is Dr. Jill Ohar of Wake Forest University, as well as she has been researching mesothelioma as well as its causes for over 20 years. She stated that her research has found that mesothelioma tends to run in families as well as is associated with a family history of cancer, suggesting a genetic susceptibility.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials for many decades, as well as workers were exposed to the toxic substance in a variety of industries, including construction, fireproofing, as well as asbestos mining as well as milling. Family members could as well as be exposed when people who worked in these industries brought the fibers home on their clothing.

When people are exposed to asbestos, they are at risk of developing many dissimilar forms of asbestos-related lung disease. Asbestosis as well as pleural plaque are two forms of lung scarring, which ends up being progressive in approximately one-third of workers who possess been exposed to asbestos. Lung cancer as well as mesothelioma are two forms of cancer that can be caused by asbestos exposure. When compared to non-smokers who possess not been exposed to asbestos, people who possess been exposed are five times more likely to develop lung cancer. Incase they are as well as smokers, that risk goes up exponentially.  The amount of asbestos inhaled as well as the length of the exposure can affect the severity of asbestos-related fibrosis, as well as it can take decades before symptoms of disease develop.

The Wake Forest study is examining genetic markers as well as environmental factors in mesothelioma patients. The study is being conducted at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital’s Chest Center of the Carolinas, as well as participants are required to total a two-page survey as well as possess a one-ounce blood sample used. Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can contact FirstHealth Clinical Trials or Dr. Jill Ohar for more information.

For the filled story, go to Richmond County Daily Journal.