asbestos

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Mesothelioma – what are the signs and symptoms of this cancer?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs. It’s usually linked to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles.

More than 2,600 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 60-80 and men are affected more commonly than women.

Unfortunately it’s rarely possible to cure mesothelioma, although treatment can help control the symptoms.

 

Symptoms of mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma tend to develop gradually over time. They typically don’t appear until several decades after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include:

chest pain

shortness of breath

fatigue (extreme tiredness)

a high temperature (fever) and sweating, particularly at night

a persistent cough

loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

clubbed (swollen) fingertips

Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the tummy include:

tummy pain or swelling

feeling or being sick

loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

diarrhoea or constipation

See your GP if you have any persistent or worrying symptoms. Tell them about any exposure to asbestos you may have had in the past.

What causes mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres that used to be widely used in construction.

These tiny fibres can easily get in the lungs, where they get stuck, damaging the lungs over time. It usually takes a while for this to cause any obvious problems, with mesothelioma typically developing more than 20 years after exposure to asbestos.

The use of asbestos was completely banned in 1999, so the risk of exposure is much lower nowadays. However, materials containing asbestos are still found in many older buildings.

Read more about asbestos and people at risk of exposure and avoiding exposure to asbestos.

How mesothelioma is diagnosed

If your GP suspects mesothelioma, they will refer you to a hospital specialist for some tests.

A number of different tests may need to be carried out, including:

an X-ray of your chest or tummy

a computerised tomography (CT) scan – a number of X-ray images are taken to create a detailed image of the inside of the body

fluid drainage – if there’s a build-up of fluid around the lungs or in the tummy, a sample may be removed using a needle inserted through the skin so the fluid can be analysed

a thoracoscopy or laparoscopy – the inside of your chest or tummy is examined with a long, thin camera that’s inserted through a small cut (incision) under sedation or anaesthetic; a sample of tissue (biopsy) may be removed so it can be analysed

These tests can help diagnose mesothelioma and show how far it has spread.

Treatments for mesothelioma

The best treatment for mesothelioma depends on several factors, including how far the cancer has spread and your general health.

As mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment is usually focused on controlling the symptoms and prolonging life for as long as possible. This is known as palliative or supportive care.

Possible treatments include:

chemotherapy – this is the main treatment for mesothelioma and involves using medicine to help shrink the cancer

radiotherapy – this involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and it may be used to slow the cancer down and keep it under control

surgery – an operation to remove the cancerous area can be done if mesothelioma is detected at a very early stage, although it’s not clear whether surgery is helpful

You’ll also probably have treatment for your individual symptoms to help you feel as comfortable as possible. For example, regularly draining fluid from your chest may help your breathing and strong painkillers may help relieve your pain.

Sometimes, a procedure is carried out to stop the fluid coming back again by making the outside of the lungs stick to the inside of your chest (pleurodesis), or a tube is put in your chest to drain the fluid regularly at home. Your doctors should discuss these treatments with you.

Outlook for mesothelioma

Unfortunately the outlook for mesothelioma tends to be poor. This is because it doesn’t usually cause any obvious symptoms until late on and it can progress quite quickly once it reaches this stage.

Overall:

around half (50%) of people with mesothelioma will live at least a year after diagnosis

around one in every 10 people (10%) with mesothelioma will live at least five years after diagnosis

There are currently around 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma each year in the UK.

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Legal Options Available to Mesothelioma Victims


Legal Options Available to Mesothelioma Victims

Legal Options Available to Mesothelioma Victims

Mesothelioma, a rare yet toxic illness, is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, and in the majority of cases, asbestos exposure occurred at the workplace. If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma due to asbestos at the workplace or due to any other negligent party, there are legal options available that can help seek compensation to help cover your medical expenses, pain, suffering, and more.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Asbestos trust funds are funds set up by courts for companies that have had so many asbestos claims filed against them that they were ordered to set aside funds for pending and future asbestos-related lawsuits. Currently, there is over an estimated $30 billion in these funds, set up for mesothelioma victims and their loved ones.

To qualify for compensation via an asbestos trust fund, you (or a loved one) must have worked for or been contracted to work for a company that currently has an asbestos trust fund in place. Not all businesses have trust funds set up for asbestos cases, and if the company you worked for doesn’t currently have a trust fund, you will not qualify until they do.


Asbestos trust fund amounts will vary according to how much money is put into the fund, the type of disease you have, how long you’ve lived with the disease, and what stage the disease is in.

There are two types of review options for asbestos trust funds: expedited reviews and individual reviews. An expedited review typically has a fixed compensation amount for each claimant, yet it is paid out much quicker than an individual review. To qualify for an expedited review, there must be enough substantial evidence presented for a quick payout.

An individual review takes longer to receive compensation when compared to an expedited, but you’re not limited to a fixed amount. Those who do not qualify for an expedited review (due to additional proof needed) will need to file for an individual review. Compensation for individual reviews may be more or even less that expedited review amount.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Another option, especially for companies that don’t have an asbestos trust set up, is to directly sue the party or parties responsible for exposing you to asbestos. In many cases, there were two or more manufacturers that supplies asbestos to job sites, and each of these companies may be responsible for any illnesses the workers develop.

Once you file a mesothelioma lawsuit, your asbestos attorney will help you gather the evidence and proof needed to present your case. In many instances, workers are not aware of which companies supplied asbestos to their workplace, but a knowledgeable attorney has the experience to uncover the details on your behalf.

Mesothelioma lawsuits generally end in settlements before you have to go to trial, with the biggest benefit being a much quicker process, which is especially important if you have mounting medical bills. However, should your mesothelioma lawsuit end up going to trial, you will generally receive more in compensation as opposed to settlement amounts.

What You Can Expect From a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Although each state’s laws will vary, in general, a successful mesothelioma lawsuit will help you obtain compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Transportation and lodging expenses (that pertain to medical appointments)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (in certain states)
  • Dependent expenses

Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Cases

It’s important to remember that each state allows a certain amount of time for you to file a mesothelioma claim. Known as statute of limitations, the time period ranges anywhere from one to six years after your diagnosis or one to six years from the time your loved one passed away from an asbestos-related illness.

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Calling the cancer community – New study, harnessing ground-breaking science, offers hope to mesothelioma patients.


  • Study will evaluate a new drug that suppresses cancer stem cells, a ground-breaking new
    Mesothelioma and cancer research

    Mesothelioma and cancer research

    science, as potential new treatment for pleural mesothelioma; an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, and is strongly linked to asbestos exposure

  • In the UK, the number of deaths caused by the disease each year is growing and according to latest figures it is the most rapidly increasing cancer amongst women in the UK (3rd most for men)[i],[ii]
  • Despite the UK’s control on asbestos in 1985, the number of mesothelioma patients is set to rise sharply over the coming years as mesothelioma can take between 30-40 years from exposure to asbestos to develop[iii]
  • Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive disease, and even on currently approved treatment, the average survival time is only 12 months[iv]
  • There is no cure; the only approved chemotherapy regimen prolonged life by 2.8 months from 9.1 to 11.9 months[v]
  • Most at risk include builders, construction workers, railway workers, plumbers and gas fitters, dock workers,  electricians, roofers, painters and decorators and other tradespeople, along with their spouses[vi]
  • Lord Saatchi will be presenting his medical innovation bill at a public consultation on Monday 24th at the House of Lords. The bill is designed to enable doctors to innovate new treatments and cures for cancer and other diseases.
  • Should the bill be passed, its aim is to facilitate patients access to innovative treatments and clinical trials , like this one in cancer stem cell suppression.
  • On the International Rare Diseases Day , Friday (28th February). We want to focus the spotlight on the new developments in treatment options for patients fighting mesothelioma . Shifting the attention from the litigation around asbestos to raising awareness of the ongoing and continued research required for this disease.

Pleural mesothelioma, is an aggressive form of lung cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, which has very limited treatment options and is associated with poor patient survival, with most having less than a year left to live once diagnosed.iv

Eight leading UK cancer research centres are participating in a ground-breaking new study to evaluate a potential new treatment targeting cancer stem cells, and measure if the life expectancy of these patients could be prolonged. Cancer stem cells are often resistant to conventional chemotherapy, By targeting the cancer stem cells, it is hoped that the growth of the mesothelioma can be slowed or stopped, and a new treatment option for patients could be established. (Trials are taking place at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Kings College, London and St. Batholomew’s Hospital, London, Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester and Southampton General Hospital.)

Despite the UK’s control on asbestos in 1985, the number of mesothelioma patients is set to continue to rise sharply as mesothelioma can take between 30-40 years from exposure to asbestos to develop. In the UK, the number of deaths caused by the disease each year has grown to 2,543 in 2010 and it is the most rapidly increasing cancer amongst women in the UK (3rd most for men)[vii],ii

It is estimated that more than 9 out of 10 men and more than 8 out of 10 women with mesothelioma have been in contact with asbestos.vii,[viii]

Most at risk of developing the disease include builders, construction workers, railway workers, plumbers and gas fitters, dock workers, electricians, roofers, painters and decorators amongst other tradespeople and workers who have had exposure to asbestos.vi As the data on the increasing incidence in women show, the demographics are changing as asbestos is found in many places and secondary exposure is considered to be a great risk moving forward.

 

For patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are very limited treatment options beyond the one chemotherapy approved. By targeting cancer stems cells it is hoped that it will be possible to prolong patient survival and improve quality of life.


[ii] GLOBAL PANORAMA ON MESOTHELIOMA 2009. Laurie Kazan-Allen. Presented at Mesothelioma Symposium Chamber of Deputies. São Paulo, Brazil, November 2009

[iii] Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Mesothelioma in Great Britain 2013. http://www.hse.gov.uk/STATISTICS/causdis/mesothelioma/mesothelioma.pdf

[iv] Cancer Research UK. Statistics and Outlook: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/mesothelioma/treatment/statistics-and-outlook-for-mesothelioma#gen Accessed 08 November 2013

[v] Vogelsang, NJ et al., Phase III study of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Jul 15;21(14):2636-44.

[vi]http://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/editorimages/Factsheets/Concerned%20about%20Asbestos%20Exposure%20June%202010%20downloadable.pdf

[vii] Cancer Research UK. Mesothelioma Risks and Causes. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/mesothelioma/about/mesothelioma-risks-and-causes#how   Accessed 27 November 2013

[viii] The Asbestos Center: http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/uk/  Accessed 27 November 2013

 


(An estimated 350-400patients from eleven countries worldwide will participate in the study. In the UK, participants are currently being recruited at eight research centres:

  • Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester
  • Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge
  • Velindre Hospital, Cardiff
  • Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
  • King’s College, London
  • St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London
  • Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester
  • Southampton General Hospital, Southampton

About Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs. Since the 1960s, it has been known that the disease can be triggered by the inhalation of asbestos fibres; an insulating material which was used widely in the building and manufacturing industries up until 1985 when the UK issued a ban on asbestos.vii It is estimated that in the UK more than 9 out of 10 men and more than 8 out of 10 women with mesothelioma have been in contact with asbestos and the number of deaths caused by the disease each year has grown to 2,543 in 2010 and is one of the highest increasing rates of incidence in the world.vii,viii This number is set to continue to rise sharply over the next 20 years, with a peak coming in 2020.vii According to the World Health Organization, a total of 59,000 deaths occur worldwide each year due to mesothelioma. Most mesotheliomas begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumour surrounding the lung leading to eventual suffocation and death. A high percentage of mesotheliomas contain cancer stem cells which are generally resistant to the currently available treatment options for advanced mesothelioma.

 

Most at risk professions:

  • Carpenters and joiners
  • Boiler, pipe and heating workers
  • Shipbuilding/shipyard workers
  • Navy seamen
  • Dockworkers
  • Laggers and sprayers
  • Mechanics
  • Plumbers and gasfitters
  • Roofers
  • Construction and demolition workers
  • Painters and decorators
  • Electricians
  • Railway workers and coach construction
  • Engineers
  • Power station workers
  • Laboratory and research
  • Asbestos manufacture and sales
  • And the spouses of the at risk professions ( from exposure to their work wear when washing the clothing)

WEBLINKS                  

www.mesothelioma.uk.com

www.cancerresearchuk.org

 

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Mesothelioma Awareness Day – September 26th 2013. Find out more about cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

MESOTHELIOMA

MESOTHELIOMA

Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day.  2,543 people in the UK were diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2010 according to Cancer Research UK.  Typically somebody diagnosed with Mesothelioma will be given 10 months to live.

Mesothelioma is caused, very simply, by exposure to asbestos.

Angus Logan (http://maxwellalves.com/angus-logan), accredited personal injury specialist solicitor and  resident partner at the Glasgow office of MAXWELL ALVES told PatientTalk.Org “Mesothelioma is a terrible condition which has affected thousands of workers exposed to asbestos.  It has struck industrial workers from shipyards and factories in some cases years after they stopped work and were happily retired.  It has also affected people in offices and other workplaces who never knew they had even been near asbestos. ”

To find out more about Mesothelioma please have a look at some of the following web sites.

For a more detailed view on planned activities for the day please go to the Meso Foundation site http://www.curemeso.org/site/c.duIWJfNQKiL8G/b.8578113/k.78AF/Mesothelioma_Awareness_Day.htm.

For a patients eye view please send your browser to http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/#.UkQSuoako9A and have a look at Heather Von St. James’ inspiring site.