A new study of South African miners revealed that malignant mesothelioma often escapes diagnosis. The report published in ERJ Open Research studied a total of 149 workers. Of the 149 miners studied researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Institute for Occupational Health in Johannesburg concluded that more than half of the cases of mesothelioma were missed until after death.
The data was even worse for other asbestos related conditions. Of the total population of the study only three were diagnosed over their lifetime with an asbestos related disease while 22 asbestos related conditions were diagnosed with an autopsy. The study’s author recognizing the issue with living asbestos related diagnoses, stated that, “Where clinical features suggest asbestos-related diseases but the chest radiograph is negative, more sophisticated imaging techniques or immunohistochemistry for asbestos-related cancers should be used.”
Researchers found that doctors were only able to correctly diagnose mesothelioma 40% of the time. It’s possible that much of these findings could be skewed by the level of specialized knowledge of the doctors performing the diagnoses. The conclusion in the South African study highlight the importance of the skill and familiarity of the doctors examining those who have had exposure to asbestos products.
The Paul Law Firm advocates for victims of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma, call the Paul Law Firm. With over 2.5 billion dollars collected for victims of asbestos exposure, we have the knowledge and the experience to fight for you. We also understand that fighting doesn’t just happen in the courtroom. It also happens in a lab where we are fighting for a cure. Check out the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America here.
Call us today at 1-855 88 LEGAL (885-3425) or contact us online to discuss your case with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers
