Mesothelioma

What causes mesothelioma?

The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. More than 9 out of 10 cases (90%) happen because of exposure to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos is a natural mineral found in many countries. It was used in UK industries until imports of blue and brown asbestos were banned in the 1980s, and all types were banned in 1999. Exposure to asbestos is linked with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma usually takes many years to develop after exposure to asbestos, sometimes 15 to 60 years. On average, pleural mesothelioma develops about 30 to 50 years after exposure. Peritoneal mesothelioma may take less time.

Sometimes mesothelioma develops in people who didn't know, or can't remember, being exposed to asbestos.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information on asbestos and other causes of mesothelioma.

Diagnosing mesothelioma

If you have symptoms, you’ll usually begin by seeing your GP. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and examine you. They may also ask if you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Depending on the results of any tests, your GP may refer you to hospital for further tests.You may need to have a number of different tests before your doctor can make a diagnosis.

Tests for pleural mesothelioma

You may have the following tests for pleural mesothelioma:

• chest X-ray
• CT scan
• pleural aspiration
• pleural biopsy

Tests for peritoneal mesothelioma

You may have the following tests for peritoneal mesothelioma:

• abdominal X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• peritoneal aspiration
• peritoneal biopsy

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about diagnosing mesothelioma.

Where to get support

You may get anxious between appointments. This is natural. It may help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation.

Macmillan Cancer Support also has further information to support you. You can:

• phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
• chat to Macmillan specialists online
• use the Macmillan mesothelioma forum – you can talk to others affected by mesothelioma, ask questions and share your experience

Staging of mesothelioma

The stage of a cancer refers to its size and if it has spread beyond the area of the body where it first started. Knowing the stage of the cancer helps your doctors decide on the best treatment for you.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about mesothelioma staging.

Treatment for mesothelioma

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions.

Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are treated in different ways. For both types, you may have treatments to help control symptoms. You may have treatment as part of a clinical trial.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about treatment for mesothelioma.

Treatment for pleural mesothelioma

Treatments for pleural mesothelioma may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• surgery
• immunotherapy

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma

Treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

• chemotherapy
• surgery
• HIPEC

Coping with advanced cancer

For some people with mesothelioma, the main aim of treatment is to control symptoms. The symptoms of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma can be controlled in many ways.

Your cancer doctor, specialist nurse or GP can help you manage your symptoms. They may refer you to a palliative care team.

These teams specialise in managing symptoms and giving emotional support to you and your family. Palliative care teams have specialist nurses who can sometimes visit you at home.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about advanced cancer.

Who can help?

Many people are available to help you and your family. If you think you need extra help at home, tell the doctors or nurses looking after you. They can look at your needs and organise extra support.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about care and support if you have advanced cancer.

Caring for someone with mesothelioma

If you are a family member or friend of someone who has mesothelioma, you may be caring for them. You may be very happy to do this, but there may be times when you need some extra support.

There are many health and social care professionals who can provide support for you and the person you’re caring for. Tell your GP or nurse if you need extra support. You may also be able to get some financial help when caring for a loved one.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information for caring for someone with mesothelioma.

After mesothelioma treatment

After your treatment has finished, your hospital doctor, GP, or specialist nurse will arrange for you to have regular check-ups. They’ll continue to monitor your symptoms and check if you need any more treatments to help control them.

If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms between check-ups, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

If you think you need extra help at home, tell the doctors or nurses looking after you. They can look at your needs and organise extra support. They can also arrange for you to see a physiotherapist if you need help with your mobility or advice on breathing exercises.

Mesothelioma compensation

Most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial help. This may be through compensation from an employer, or government benefits, like industrial injuries disablement benefit. It’s important to get advice from a specialist solicitor.

Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about compensation and benefits for people with mesothelioma.

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