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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancerous tumour that affects the lining that covers the outer surface of the body’s organs. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma which affects the pleura of the lung (the thin membrane surrounding the lungs).

The second most common form is peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and the testes (testicular mesothelioma).

How is it Caused?

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is often caused by the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres, which will have occurred during an individual’s working or domestic life.

One of the defining features about this cancer is that there is a very long latency period between exposure to asbestos and experiencing symptoms of the disease.

Commonly the delay can be between 10 and 50 years.

Unfortunately, due to the number of years the illness lies dormant for, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, the prognosis is often poor.

About Types

The Different Types of Mesothelioma

There are four main types of mesothelioma:

Pleural

This affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Peritoneal

This is a less common form of mesothelioma which affects the abdomen. Around 3% to 5% of mesothelioma diagnoses are peritoneal.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

Pericardial

This affects the tissue lining the heart and is a very rare form of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pericardial mesothelioma include:

Testicular

This affects the lining of the testicles and, like pericardial mesothelioma, is a very rare form of the disease. 

Symptoms of Testicular mesothelioma include:

What Are The Symptoms

Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to develop and in many cases, by the time a diagnosis is made, the disease is already at an advanced stage. The symptoms of all forms of mesothelioma can be caused by other conditions. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms, it is important not to panic as there may be something else causing them. 

Seek medical attention as soon as possible

It is still vital for you to seek medical attention as soon as possible, to allow for an asbestos-related condition to be ruled out.  Make sure you advise your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, to make them aware that you may be suffering from an asbestos-related disease.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

All forms of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as a number of other conditions could cause the symptoms.

Imaging tests

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is imaging tests. An x-ray or CT scan would normally be carried out, along with blood tests which will help to rule out other conditions.

Biopsy

Once imaging has shown there is a potential tumour, if the patient is well enough, a biopsy is taken. This involves a small sample of the tumour being taken so that it can be tested.

Currently, a biopsy is the most reliable method of diagnosing mesothelioma. 

In cases where the patient is unable to undergo a biopsy, imaging and blood tests can be used to obtain a likely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment is then provided on a clinical basis.

About Treatments

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Sadly, there is no known cure for mesothelioma and, due to the often-late diagnosis, the prognosis for patients is generally poor. 

However, advances in mesothelioma research have uncovered more effective treatments, which can allow patients to experience an improved quality of life, whilst also lengthening their lives.

Treatment options will depend on the location and progression of the disease.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Surgery

Immunotherapy

About the Prognosis

Prognosis For Mesothelioma

The mesothelioma prognosis and life expectancy is sadly often bleak as there is no known cure.
Following diagnosis, the average life expectancy is between approximately 12 and 18 months. The advances in mesothelioma treatments are helping patients to live longer. There are mesothelioma sufferers who have lived well beyond what was expected, with some living for more than 10 years following diagnosis. Prognosis depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the location and cell type of the mesothelioma.

About Claiming

Claiming For Mesothelioma

To make a civil mesothelioma compensation claim, you need to be able to say which companies or employers exposed you to asbestosand what work you were doing that caused the exposure. 

Alternatively, if you were exposed outside of work, you will need information confirming how you suffered your exposure to airborne asbestos dust. 

If you have this information or wish to look into things further, our specialist asbestos disease solicitors can help you pursue a claim, with a view to holding a party to account for what has happened to you. 

If you are unable to pinpoint where you have been exposed, we can help you to consider this further.

We’re here to help and ready to take your call. 

Freephone 0800 038 6767 or visit our contact us page.

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