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Mesothelioma

In 1969 the Asbestos regulations were introduced into the workplace following a paper written by a man called J.C. Wagner. As a result of this paper, the use of blue Asbestos within the UK was virtually banned. Asbestos was popular among many manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century. The fibres of Asbestos were often mixed with cement. If a worker was exposed to Asbestos, they had a high possibility of contracting Mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to Asbestos).

Two other forms of Mesothelioma
There are two other forms of Mesothelioma which are Peritoneal and Pericardial. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the lining in the guts that surrounds the lining of the stomach and the intestines. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of cancer that affects the lining (pericardium) of the heart.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma lie dormant for usually up to twenty or fifty years after a person has been exposed to Asbestos. Most people who develop Mesothelioma have been exposed to Asbestos particles, dust or fibres. Unlike lung cancer, there is no link between Mesothelioma and smoking.

Symptoms associated with pleural Mesothelioma

• Chest wall pain
• Pleural infusion or fluids surrounding the lung
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or anemia
• Wheezing, hoarseness or coughing
• Blood in the fluid coughed up
• Tumour masses
• Development of pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Unfortunately the prognosis for a patient with Mesothelioma is extremely bleak. There are many people who are concerned about potential diagnosis, as a biopsy is required in order to confirm a diagnosis. The risks associated with such a biopsy are mainly associated with the removal of cells or tissue, from the lung by way of needle aspiration, which may result in the spread of cancer, from the lung to the skin and may ultimately result in skin cancer.

If you have contracted the disease Mesothelioma from exposure to Asbestos within the workplace then please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or complete an Online Enquiry Form. A solicitor who specialises in this area will contact you to advise you of your legal rights and entitlements.

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