Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer associated to asbestos exposure which
develops mainly in the lining of the lungs [pleural mesothelioma] and less commonly in
the lining of the tummy [peritoneal mesothelioma]. In extremely rare cases it can be
found within the linings of the heart [pericardial mesothelioma] and within the lining of
the testicle [testicular mesothelioma]. In the UK in excess of 2,600 people each year are
diagnosed with mesothelioma the vast majority of whom are men aged between 60 –
78 years of age who traditionally have worked in male-dominated industrial settings.
The UK has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world due in part to the
fact the UK government permitted the use of asbestos long after other countries had
imposed a ban. In 1999 the then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott signed the
Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations which banned chrysotile asbestos
(white asbestos) and underlined a complete ban on the import, use and sale of
asbestos products within the UK. Earlier in 1985 raw amosite (brown asbestos) and
crocidolite (blue asbestos) had been banned from the UK.
The number of mesothelioma deaths is expected to peak around 2020 after which
there should be a reduction brought about by the introduction of Asbestos Regulations
and greater awareness to health and safety in the workplace. Despite improvements in
health and safety and greater public awareness asbestos still poses some threat to
future generations given it can still be found in many older buildings and homes
thereby posing a particular threat to DIY enthusiasts.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fbrous material which is durable and resistant to heat,
fre and many chemicals and because of these qualities was widely used in many
products across all industries between the 1940’s and 1980’s. Despite once being hailed
a ‘miracle mineral’ and now banned in the UK, early scientifc warnings made in the
1920’s and 1930’s warned of potentially serious respiratory illnesses arising from asbestos
fbre exposure.
The 20 most affected sites in the UK, associated to mesothelioma, include Barking and
Dagenham, Barrow-In-Furness, Crew and Nantwich, Eastleigh, Glasgow City, Gosport,
Hartlepool, Havant, Inverclyde, Medway, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newham, North Tyneside,
Plymouth, Portsmouth, Renfrewshire, South Tyneside, Southampton, Sunderland and West
Dunbartonshire.
Other asbestos related diseases associated to asbestos fbres include lung cancer,
asbestosis, pleural thickening, pleural plaques and pleural effusion. Asbestos related
diseases can take many years to develop after exposure to asbestos fbres and dust
and are caused by inhalation of asbestos fbres which become trapped in the linings
of the lungs. Over time the fbres cause infammation, irritation and scarring to the lung
tissue which sometimes leads to cancerous changes and formation of more serious
illness, mesothelioma and lung cancer. The delayed period until symptoms become
apparent is referred to as the ‘latency period’ which can be as short as 10 years
extending up to 50 yrs and sometimes longer.
The chance of developing mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease is based upon ‘risk factors’ which consider the extent of asbestos inhaled and the period
of time the exposure occurred over. Referred to as ‘dosage’ the more exposure to
asbestos encountered the greater the risk of developing an asbestos illness and it is
generally workers who have handled the material on a regular basis and through
environmental contact become ill albeit any exposure to potentially harmful asbestos
fbres can present a risk of developing an illness. Family members of workers sometimes
develop illnesses, in particular mesothelioma which is brought about by contact and
inhalation of fbres brought into the home on the workers’ clothing, hair or skin. This type
of case is often described as ‘secondary exposure’ or ‘washing cases’.
Over the years and through a number of cases the courts have considered liability
towards family members of workers in situations which extend beyond any common
law duty a company has towards it’s employed workers. In a leading case of Maguire v
Harland & Wolff it was established that liability in secondary exposure cases could be
established if exposure occurred post 1965 the basis of which followed a publication by
Newhouse and Thompson which linked ‘occupational and domestic exposure to
asbestos’. The most recent case impacting upon mesothelioma victims involves Bussey
v Anglia Heating Ltd which involved technical arguments regarding the amount of
exposure Mr Bussey had been exposed to during his time as a plumber between 1965
and 1968 where he handled asbestos products. Mr Bussey passed away from
mesothelioma and it was argued his exposure fell short of TDN13 levels. However, The
Court of Appeal found in favour of Mr Bussey’s widow confrming that low levels of
asbestos exposure could attract liability if there was an absence of proper precautions
taken to protect workers. The fndings in this case are ground breaking and will ensure
greater justice is received by those diagnosed with mesothelioma through their work
throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s
Whilst tobacco smoking is accepted as being a cause of weakened lungs making
them more susceptible to asbestos-related lung cancer, smoking has no impact upon
the risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. Other factors which could increase the risk
of developing an asbestos related illness include genetics, age and gender, exposure
to mineral fbres and radiation. Despite these risk factors exposure to asbestos fbres
does not mean that you will develop mesothelioma or indeed any other asbestos
illness.
A high risk group would typically include those who have worked in the manufacture of
asbestos products and those who have used asbestos materials across a broad
range of industry including shipbuilding, construction, power stations, motor industry, plumbing and heating, insulation (‘laggers’), carpenters and telephone exchanges. It is
estimated that almost 6% of British men born in the 1940’s who worked in carpentry for
more than 10 years before the age of thirty develop mesothelioma.
Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain,
persistent cough, fatigue, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss and clubbed
(swollen) fngertips whilst peritoneal mesothelioma is associated to tummy pain or
swelling, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss, feeling or being sick and
diarrhoea or constipation. If you have any health concerns, persistent or worrying
symptoms consult with your GP and discuss your exposure history with asbestos. If your
GP feels you could have mesothelioma you will be referred to a special clinic
specialising in this type of cancer where under existing hospital protocol you will be
seen within two weeks of referral [if resident in England or Wales] and your treatment
should start within 31 days.
Diagnosing mesothelioma can sometimes be diffcult and is achieved using a range of
investigations which include x-rays of the chest and abdomen depending upon the
area of suspicion. An x-ray will help to determine certain signs of mesothelioma
including pleural effusion (build-up of fuid in the chest) and thickening of the pleural
lining but CT scan is the imaging of choice which provides clearer and more detailed
cross-sectional images of the mesothelioma, its size, location and if the cancer has
spread in the body. A PET-CT scan is often used in pleural mesothelioma treatment and
is particularly benefcial in helping to stage the cancer and show any spread into
distant organs.
Whilst providing strong evidence, x-rays and scans do not provide a defnitive diagnosis
of cancer which is usually made by a pathologist who is able to microscopically
examine tissue and cells taken from the thickened pleura [chest] or peritoneum
[tummy]. Researchers continue to develop blood tests to identify certain substances
called ‘biomarkers’ found in mesothelioma which can be used to detect conditions
early, enable treatment and improve life expectancy. In many instances a build-up of
fuid will occur around the lungs [pleural effusion] or within the tummy [ascites] which
can be drawn off and examined for mesothelioma cells. It normally takes a few days to
analyse specimens and even then it might still be necessary to undertake further
exploration by way of key hole surgery.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be incredibly overwhelming both physically and
emotionally and in many instances will impact upon loved ones, family and friends and
require making complex decisions in terms of tests, deciding upon a treatment plan and getting your affairs in order. Despite advances in treatment it is usually regarded
as a terminal condition with treatments aimed at easing symptoms and improving a
quality of life. Historically, survival rates for mesothelioma were measured in terms of
one year survival. However, thanks to advances in treatment many more mesothelioma
sufferers are living longer, in particular patients diagnosed under the age of 50 years
who are eligible for more intensive treatments.
Treatment options for mesothelioma patients depends upon several factors including
how advanced the cancer has spread, a patient’s general level of health, the cell type
and stage of the cancer. There are three cell types of mesothelioma which include
epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic which respond differently to treatment. Sadly,
mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage which can limit the treatment
options available and whilst waiting for tests and results can be frustrating it is
nevertheless more important to receive the right treatment than receiving quicker
treatment. It is important you consider all treatment options available and wherever
necessary seek a second opinion which might offer wider treatment options and better
suit your lifestyle changes.
Surgery is recommended to early stage patients who are younger and in good health
with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy being made available to others
regardless of their age or stage of cancer. A range of drugs and clinical trials are
continually tested and evaluated and wherever appropriate you should speak with
your Consultant who will advise upon the most suitable medicines for your need.
It is important people diagnosis with mesothelioma take care of their health and
wherever possible take steps to improve their diet and maintain their immune system.
Avoid smoking which can exacerbate their condition and try to manage any increased
stress levels which can also impact upon your ability to recover from treatments.
Methods for managing stress and improving your lifestyle might include yoga, a hobby,
reading or aromatherapy which can help improve your quality of life enabling you to
cope and enjoy your time with family and friends.
Sufferers of mesothelioma have legal options and are able to recover compensation
from former employers through a fast track process which is designed to address issue
of liability and ensure recovery of an early interim payment of £50,000. Additionally
sufferers are entitled to a range of government compensation and benefts which we
can help you claim for which include, 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments,
Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979, Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment
Scheme (DMPS) and Industrial Injuries Disablement Beneft (IIDB).
We are leading experts in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related matters who
operate on a strict ‘no win no fee’ arrangement – call us today for free advice on
0141 333 6750, email us at info@scottishasbestoshelpline.co.uk
or complete our online contact form.
