Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs most commonly in the chest area. In some cases, it can develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity (also known as the peritoneum) but this form is very rarely found. The more common form of the disease occurs in the lining of the sacs of the chest, which are also known as the ‘pleura’. Both forms of the disease can be potentially fatal.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form and causes symptoms in the chest area, such as shortness of breath, and chest pains. There are two main types of cell associated with mesothelioma. These are known as epithelial and sarcomatoid cells and on some cases, both of these are found, although the sarcomatoid is the rarer of the two, present in around 15% of cases.
The major cause of mesothelioma is the inhalation of asbestos. Nowadays, the demographic most at risk of contracting mesothelioma is men over the age of 40. This demographic are most likely to have been involved in construction pre-1985, when the use of asbestos in construction was acceptable. In 1985, the use of asbestos in UK construction was banned because of the health issues associated with the substance.
However, it isn’t just this demographic that are at risk of developing the disease. Many buildings that used asbestos in their construction are still used today, meaning that people are at risk of coming in contact with the substance, even without knowing they have done so. Renovation and DIY in buildings that contain asbestos is particularly hazardous. If concrete is disturbed, this could cause dust that contains asbestos to become airborne, meaning a risk of inhaling the substance.
There is a better chance of recovery from mesothelioma if it is detected at an early stage but as of yet, there is no definite cure for the condition. There are several treatments that can be undergone when battling mesothelioma, but the success of the treatment very much depends on the individual case. Age and previous standard of health play a huge factor in the success of the treatment
You could be entitled to mesothelioma compensation. Find out today and make a claim.