The dangers of asbestos have been well known for many decades. In particular, it has been understood since the mid-1960s that even small amounts of asbestos can cause potentially fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening, those conditions although some are now capable of treatment are still all serious and require specialist medical and legal attention. In particular mesothelioma is recognised as a specifically asbestos related cancer. How can it be diagnosed and treated?
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium — a protective lining that covers several internal organs. Most commonly mesothelioma affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs, or the diaphragm directly underneath the lungs. Less common types of the disease affect the abdominal lining, the heart’s lining or the extremely rare testicular variant.
One of the most dangerous parts of mesothelioma is that the latency period often spans 20 to 50 years. This makes early diagnosis much harder as you may not feel the effects of your exposure to asbestos until much later in life.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma brings with it a range of symptoms. Depending on the severity and location of the cancer, these include:
- Abdominal swelling and pain.
- Chest pain.
- Fatigue.
- Persistent cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms can indicate other respiratory illnesses, making mesothelioma difficult to diagnose. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to disclose any potential exposure to asbestos to your doctor.
What causes mesothelioma?
Though you can contract mesothelioma through a genetic predisposition or via radiation exposure, asbestos exposure is by far the leading cause of mesothelioma. When asbestos fibres imbed themselves in the lining of the lungs, inflammation and scarring occurs. This eventually can lead to malignant transformation in the cells.
What types of mesothelioma are there?
There are four main types of mesothelioma:
| Type | Affected area | Symptoms | Rarity |
| Pleural mesothelioma | Lining of the lungs | Chest pain, persistent cough and breathing difficulties | Common |
| Peritoneal mesothelioma | Lining of the abdomen | Abdominal pain and swelling | Less common |
| Pericardial mesothelioma | Lining of the heart | Chest pain and heart-related symptoms | Extremely rare |
| Testicular mesothelioma | Lining of the testicles | Testicular pain and scrotal swelling | Extremely rare |
What is the mesothelioma grading system?
Mesothelioma is graded based on its severity and aggressiveness. This grading system helps to determine how far along the cancer is and helps with planning treatments for patients with the illness:
- Low grade tumours — These are generally slower-growing and may respond better to treatment.
- High grade tumours — These are more aggressive tumours that spread faster and need more intensive treatment.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
The process for a medical professional diagnosing mesothelioma follows these steps:
- They will assess your medical history to see if there is a history of asbestos exposure.
- They will conduct thorough physical examinations to check for any signs of mesothelioma.
- They will use X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to look for abnormalities in the lining of the lungs.
- They will take tissue samples from the lining of the lungs to confirm or deny the presence of cancer.
The process of diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult as the symptoms involved are very similar to other respiratory conditions. So, remember to always disclose any history of asbestos with your doctor.
What are the stages of mesothelioma?
From the first signs of the cancer to the most developed, there are four stages to mesothelioma:
- Stage 1
This is when the cancer is confined to the lining of one area of the body, the lung or abdomen.
- Stage 2
This is when the cancer has begun to spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes but is still relatively confined to one area.
- Stage 3
This is when the cancer has spread extensively within the body, affecting multiple areas and lymph nodes.
- Stage 4
This is the most advanced stage. This is when the cancer has progressed to distant organs and tissues, limiting treatment options and prognosis.
The stage of mesothelioma significantly impacts treatment options and prognosis. Early-stage mesothelioma offers better chances for successful treatment, while advanced stages may require more aggressive approaches.
How do you treat mesothelioma?
There are a few ways to treat mesothelioma. Here are some of the most common ways, however, keep in mind that some of these will be combined or avoided depending on the stage and severity:
- Chemotherapy: This is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: This is the technique that boosts the immune system to fight cancerous cells.
- Radiation therapy (or Radiotherapy): This targets the cancerous cells with rays to kill it.
- Surgery: This is the removal of the cancerous cells by opening up the body.
Each person’s battle with mesothelioma is different and the medical professionals in charge of your case will determine which treatment is best for you.
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
Prognosis and survival rate of mesothelioma completely depends on the following factors:
- Stage of cancer: Early detection improves survival rates, while advanced stages have poorer outcomes.
- Type of mesothelioma: Pleural mesothelioma generally has a better prognosis than peritoneal or pericardial types.
- Overall health: Your overall health and response to treatment can significantly impact your survival.
Every year, more and more research and advancements are made in the mesothelioma area, where scientists and doctors work to achieve better survival rate outcomes in the future.
Who is at risk for mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is more common in blue-collar jobs, therefore, individuals with these occupations have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer:
- Carpenters and Joiners
- Electricians
- Plumbing and Heating Engineers
- Factory workers
- Workers in chemical plants and power stations
- Builders
- Teachers
- Office workers
- Family members of those who had clothing contaminated with asbestos and travelled home in that clothing
Sadly, if you live with or regularly interact with someone who works in one of these trades, you may be at risk of secondary exposure. This happens when those exposed bring home the fibres on clothes, hair or skin.
Can I claim compensation for mesothelioma?
Dealing with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure is a challenging ordeal, both emotionally and legally. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this especially harmful cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. However, these claims can be incredibly complex and require expert legal guidance.
At Express Solicitors, we specialise in asbestos-related cases and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our team has over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success in handling asbestos claims.
What’s more, our no-win, no-fee promise lets you seek justice without worrying about upfront legal costs. Our skilled legal team will work tirelessly to gather evidence, build a strong case, and advocate for your rights. Get in touch today.