What Is Mesothelioma?

A rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelial cells covering the outer surface of most of our internal organs. Mesothelium is a lining which gives the disease its name, the disease most commonly occurs in the tissues covering the lungs.

Almost all malignant mesothelioma diagnoses are considered to be as a result of asbestos exposure. Non asbestos related mesothelioma diagnoses are rare.  Approximately 80% of people diagnosed with the disease have reported being in contact with the material during their life. People were freely exposed to it before the material was banned and the more someone was exposed, the more at risk they are but some patients cannot recall any prolonged exposure.

Asbestos is an insulating material which is heat and fire resistant and was used widely in all industries from the 1940s until the 1990s. Those most at risk of contamination are people who have worked in the construction industry or near the exposed material at any time but even after construction the risk is still present.

Characteristically there is a latent period of between first exposure to the suffering of symptoms connected to mesothelioma of between 10 and 45 years, which causes the disease to go undiagnosed for many years often until it is too late. Asbestos was banned in the 90's so cases are expected to peak at around 2020 after which there should be a decline.

There are very few early warning signs for Mesothelioma and they do resemble the symptoms of lesser illnesses but if you experience problems breathing- usually breathlessness because of an accompanying pleural effusion, chest wall pain, weight loss, bowel issues and heavy sweating it is worth consulting a doctor just to be safe.

A diagnosis is usually confirmed by way of pleural biopsy. The interpretation of pleural biopsy material is often difficult. Relatively firm diagnosis can be made by chest x-ray and/or CT if the radiological features of the pleural tumour are accompanied by other evidence of asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques.

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you do experience any of the symptoms it would be wise to seek medical advice. If you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma you may have a right to claim compensation. It can be very easy to claim using the right legal representation and many have been successful even if it is difficult to prove your exposure to asbestos.