What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the tisssues of the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs but it can also start in the tissues of the abdominal cavity. These tissues are called “mesothelium” which is where mesothelioma gets its name.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, a short exposure can be enough and the disease may lie dormant for up to 40 years before symptoms begin to show.
Sypmtoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary, but usually include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pain
- Persistent Cough
Some less common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Night Sweats
- Weight Loss
- Nausea
- Bowel Obstruction
- Anaemia
- Swelling of the Feet
(NOTE: All these symptoms are more likely to be caused by a more common diseases)
Mesothelioma – Some Medical Facts
It is likely that the number of cases of mesothelioma will continue to increase over the next 10-15 years. This is because there is a 40-50 year time lag between exposure to asbestos (the usual cause – 80-90% cases) and developing the disease. Imports of asbestos reached their peak in the early 1970’s.
Mesothelioma usually starts in the pleura (membrane surrounding the lungs). The symptoms that people notice initially include breathlessness, pain on the effected side or cough. Diagnosis is made by chest Xray followed by sampling the fluid that has formed between the pleura (pleural effusion) or by a more formal biopsy procedure. This may be performed under local or sometimes general anaesthetic.
The extent of the tumour is assessed by computerised tomography (CT scan) and this information then dictates what treatment is appropriate.
