Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos.
If you, or a loved one are worried about developing such a condition, or have been diagnosed as suffering from it, we hope the following will help you.
- Mesothelioma is a cancer which would have been caused by asbestos exposure in excess of 10-15 years ago.
- Beyond that period even as far back as 40 years ago it will be held that any period of exposure within that time could have caused mesothelioma.
There are three different types of Mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres into the lungs. A tumour then forms on the lining (pleura) of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and painful.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common and is caused by inhaled fibres which are coughed up out of the lungs and then swallowed down into the stomach. A tumour then develops on the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) which prevents it from working properly to lubricate the organs inside the abdomen.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is the least common form of the disease. Patients suffering from this type of Mesothelioma develop a tumour on the membranes lining the heart and this prevents the heart from working properly to pump blood around the body.
If you would like more information about Mesothelioma symptoms or any other aspect of the disease, please call our Hotline FREE on 08000 89 13 31 and speak to one of our specialist advisors or fill out the form below.