Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, a thin lining that covers the outer surface of many organs and also lines spaces inside the body, such as the chest and abdominal cavity.
The mesothelium has different names depending on where it is in the body. In the chest it is called the pleura. In the tummy (abdomen) it is called the peritoneum.
Cancer of the mesothelium is called malignant mesothelioma, though it is usually just called mesothelioma.
In the UK, more than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Types of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma in the chest is called pleural mesothelioma, and mesothelioma in the tummy is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is much more common than peritoneal mesothelioma. Very rarely, mesothelioma may develop in the outer lining of other organs. Macmillan Cancer Support have more information on types of mesothelioma.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
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.
Diagnosis
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
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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