How common is mesothelioma?

How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer but it is affecting more people. Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. This is related to the high rate of asbestos use in mining, construction, manufacturing and home renovations over many years. In 2007 (the most recent data available), nearly 600 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Australia. Of these new cases, 81% were men.

In Victoria about 160 people are diagnosed each year. These figures are likely to change. Experts believe the number of people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases will not peak until 2020. Since 1980 there have been about 13,000 new cases of mesothelioma in Australia.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Why is asbestos dangerous?

When asbestos is disturbed, it forms a dust made up of tiny fibres. This can easily be breathed in and cause serious health problems, notably:

• pleural plaque
• asbestosis
• diffuse pleural thickening
• benign pleural effusion
• lung cancer
• mesothelioma.

When asbestos is disturbed it sends out fibres into the air that can be inhaled by anyone nearby. Workers in mining and construction, plumbers, carpenters and auto mechanics have been at risk of exposure to asbestos.

It can also affect family members of workers who brought home asbestos fibres on their clothing and shoes from their work site.

It is not clear how asbestos fibres get into the peritoneal cavity. It is unlikely that they come through the wall of the gut. However, they may come in through the diaphragm. When asbestos fibres are taken into the body, cells react in an abnormal way. This may result in inflammation and scarring causing pleural plaque or diffuse pleural thickening. Or it may alter the DNA of the cells and result in the cells becoming malignant.

what is Causes of mesothelioma

Causes of mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma is very strongly linked with asbestos exposure. Almost everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral rock made up of masses of tiny fibres. For many decades, asbestos was mined and widely used in building materials and for insulation, fireproofing and sound absorption. It was used to insulate buildings, ships, car parts, household appliances and power stations.

There are three types of asbestos - blue, brown and white. All are linked to mesothelioma although blue and brown are more commomly linked. The health hazards of asbestos have become clear in recent decades.

Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2004 and it is now illegal here to store, mine, import, sell, install or reuse any products containing asbestos. Any asbestos products already in place are allowed. However, great care needs to be taken if anything known to contain asbestos is to be disturbed or pulled down. There are strict regulations associated with removal and disposal of asbestos for areas greater than 10m2. See our ‘Services and information' section.

Most people are at low risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. People who've been exposed to asbestos in their jobs are at greater risk. Such jobs include:

• mining or milling asbestos
• manufacture and repair of goods using raw asbestos fibres, such as brake linings
• use of products containing asbestos, like in building and construction,
• heating, shipyards, power stations, boiler making, gas fittings and plumbing
• alteration, repair or demolition of buildings or other structures containing asbestos.

It may take over 20 years after exposure for any disease caused by asbestos to become evident (it can take up to and over 50 years).

However, most workers exposed to asbestos won't develop an asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma)

Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the peritoneum. This is the sheet of tissue covering and lining the internal organs in the abdomen. This sheet helps to protect the organs and allows them to move around within the abdomen. The peritoneum makes a fluid that helps to keep the abdominal organs moving freely and smoothly as we move around.

Mesothelioma in the chest (pleural mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma in the chest (pleural mesothelioma)

Pleural mesothelioma starts in the pleura. The pleura is the two layers of thin membrane that surround the lungs and line the chest wall. The inner layer is attached to the lungs and the outer layer lines the chest wall and diaphragm. Between the two layers is the pleural cavity. This cavity is almost empty. The two layers of pleura slide against each other. They're moist so that lungs can move smoothly against the chest wall as you breathe.

Sometimes mesothelioma can spread into the area around the heart (pericardium).

Types of mesothelioma

Types of mesothelioma

There are three different types of Mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type 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.

Can I make a claim?

For a while, employers were not aware of the dangers of asbestos, but it quickly became apparent that workers needed protecting. If an employer failed to provide adequate training or protection for their employees they can be held liable for compensation if a worker suffers an industrial disease such as mesothelioma.

If you would like more information about mesothelioma symptoms or any other aspect of the disease, including making a compensation claim, please call our lawyers FREE on 0800 0891331.

Thompsons Solicitors in Scotland has an excellent track record in tracing the liable parties, and their insurers, even if the firm has ceased trading. Contact us today using our online claim forms, or simply leave your details and we will call you back.