According to a study reported in the July issue of Thorax, abnormally high concentrations of soluble mesothelin in effusions are a strong indicator of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The Australian researchers who authored the study suggest that measuring mesothelion in pleural and peritoneal effusions might be useful in diagnosing patients with suspected malignancy. Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult because pleural effusions may be a symptom in over 50 health conditions.
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