Mesothelioma
FAQ

What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (Mee-zoh-thee-lee-oh-ma) is a particularly nasty form of cancer that can invariable be linked to exposure to Asbestos.

What are the symptoms?
• Breathlessness due to build up of fluid
• Chest Pains
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever / Night sweats
• Pain and / or swelling in the abdomen
• Unexplained tiredness

How is it diagnosed?
Normally it is diagnosed after you have visited your doctor with one or all of the above symptoms and your doctor has sent you for a; x ray and, the results show a build up of fluid in your lungs. (It would probably be a good idea at this point if you have had exposure to asbestos or, have worked with asbestos to advise your doctor or specialist). To confirm or rule out that you have Mesothelioma the doctor will need to take fluid and tissue samples.

What happens next?
If you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, the next step is to ascertain what stage of development the disease has reached and to consider what treatment is most appropriate for you, and what you want to do about your treatment.

Is there a cure?
At present, there is no cure. Sometimes if diagnosed in the Very early stages some tumours can be removed by surgery. However, this is very rare and, and even more rarely successful.

Is there a treatment?
The usual treatment at present is, Active Symptom Control. (ASC).

What is Active Symptom Control (ASC)?
Active Symptom Control is specifically directed to control your symptoms, such as:
• Breathlessness
• Pain
• Lack of Energy
• Lack of Appetite
• Constipation due to Pain killers
• Anxiety and Depression

Managing Chest Fluid:
The fluid that builds up in your chest can be removed on a regular basis; but as it can become more and more difficult; the doctors may decide to try and stop the accumulating fluid altogether. This is done after all the fluid has been drained from between the pleura and replacing the fluid that has been drained off with, “Talc” or another chemical which will cause the two layers (Pleura) to stick together therefore leaving no space for the fluid to accumulate.

Is there other treatment available?

Surgery:
In the past Surgeons have carried out surgery to remove the tumours with varying degrees of success. More recently, trial surgery has taken place where the infected lung is removed completely along with the Pleura and the lining around the heart and part of the diaphragm. At present, this option is only suitable for a very small number of sufferers.

Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy:
This is treatment with drugs being pumped directly into your veins and / or in tablet form. Chemotherapy is not for everyone, as you have to be fairly fit, strong and in general good health.