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| Mesothelioma Cancer |
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| What is it? |
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The mesothelium is a membrane that covers the outer surface of most of the internal organs of the body including the
lungs and the abdominal organs. It is composed of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the organ;
the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a fluid that is released between these layers providing
lubrication and allowing organs such as the lungs to move more smoothly during breathing.
Mesothelioma cancer arises from the mesothelial cells. |
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There are different types of mesothelioma cancer depending on location in the body. The most common type is pleural
mesothelioma cancer which is a tumor of the lining surrounding the lungs. Other less common forms of mesothelioma
cancer are peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity, and pericardial mesothelioma,
affecting the lining of the heart. |
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| Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer |
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The early symptoms of both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cancer can be non-specific and frequently not recognised
as being attributed to mesothelioma cancer. Patients often complain of these non-specific symptoms for a number of
months before visiting their GP leading to a delay in diagnosis. |
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The most common side effect of mesothelioma cancer arising in the pleura is a pleural effusion.
This is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity and leads to shortness
of breath (dyspnea). As the amount of fluid increases, so does the dyspnea and chest / back pain
associated with the effusion. More general symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer
include dry cough, hoarse voice, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. |
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Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer may include nausea or vomiting, bowel obstruction, weight loss,
abdominal pain, abdominal mass, abdominal swelling, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), fever, fatigue and anaemia. |
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| Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer |
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Mesothelioma cancer is usually associated with exposure to asbestos with over 90% of cases attributable to this
substance. There is a latent period of 20 -50 years after exposure to asbestos and the number of mesothelioma
cancers is expected to reach its peak in the next decade. People are usually diagnosed with mesothelioma between
the ages of 50 to 70 with the frequency being higher in men than women, probably because men are more likely
to have worked in the industries that use asbestos. |
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The first definite link between mesothelioma cancer and asbestos was made in the 1960's. Asbestos was used in many
industries e.g. for pipe lagging, insulation boards and textured coverings. |
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Workers at high risk of developing mesothelioma cancer include: |
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 Shipyard workers
Plumbers
Gas fitters
Painters
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Construction workers
Carpenters
Builders
Electricians
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Sheet metal workers
Welders
Plasterers
Telephone engineers
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The risk of mesothelioma cancer increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time however,
it has been reported in some individuals with minimal exposure. Conversely not all workers who are exposed
to asbestos develop mesothelioma cancer. People who worked with asbestos may have taken the fibres home on their
clothes and so occasionally family members of such workers have also developed mesothelioma cancer. |
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| Treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer |
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Mesothelioma cancer is difficult to manage and treatment is usually aimed at slowing down the disease and
keeping symptoms under control. The treatments used depend on the stage of the disease and general fitness
of the patient and may include chemotherapy, surgery and / or radiotherapy.
Unfortunately mesothelioma cancer is often diagnosed when it is quite advanced and the person may be
too ill to cope with these treatments so only symptom relief is possible. |
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Research is ongoing into the treatment of mesothelioma cancer and some experimental treatments e.g. gene therapy,
immunotherapy and use of angiogenesis inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials. |
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| Claiming Compensation for Mesothelioma Cancer |
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If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last 3 years you will be able to make a claim. |
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The success of the claim will depend on whether the company where the exposure occurred is still in existence.
If you are not sure, don't worry; it could be that the company was taken over,
or that the insurers of the company still exist.
In either case we will find out on your behalf as part of the service. |
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For advice on claiming, please call us on freephone 0800 783 9535. |
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