One day, doctors might be using breathalyzers more frequently than law enforcement. Clinical tests are currently underway to determine if a new breath testing tool could be able to detect malignant cancers, including mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Generally, it is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Tragically, many individuals with mesothelioma might not experience cancer symptoms for 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. By that time, the cancer is normally so progressed that patients are only given a short time to live. However, a new invention in cancer screening technology could change all that.
Researchers have been working on the development of a cancer screening device that will allow for earlier detection of mesothelioma. The newly developed breath test will work by detecting “volatile organic compounds” in the breath that indicate the presence of cancer. Researchers suggest that the main benefits of the breath testing technology will include:
- An earlier diagnosis and ability to begin treatment sooner
- A less invasive and less painful procedure
- A less expensive procedure for doctors and patients
Doctors at the Cancer Research Center in the United Kingdom are currently compiling samples from cancer patients, as well as healthy individuals, to determine the accuracy of the tests. While the clinical trials are not yet testing mesothelioma patients, doctors are hopeful that the breath tests will be able to detect asbestos-related diseases in the near future.
If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease, consult with an experienced asbestos attorney to discuss your options. You might be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for your medical bills.