What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer. Your lungs are covered by two layers called the pleura. These layers are separated and kept moist by a small amount of fluid. The pleura are very thin and the fluid allows them to slide over each other with ease. This allows your lungs to expand and contract as you breath in and out. Mesothelioma causes the pleura to become hard or thicken and can cause a build up of fluid. This makes it more difficult for your lungs to expand and contract as normal, making it difficult to breath. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos is broken or damaged it releases fibres into the air that are then breathed into the lungs. These fibres are very tiny and can reach into the smallest areas of the lung where they remain, too tiny to cough or breath out. The body attempts to break the fibres down and remove them unsuccessfully. This results in swelling in the surrounding lung tissue. The tiny fibres can also infiltrate through the lung and into the pleura where they can remain and slowly develop into mesothelioma. Those most commonly affected by asbestos exposure include builders, plumbers, electricians, shipbuilders.
Symptoms of mesothelioma often do not arise for some years after asbestos exposure. Most patients will go to the GP complaining of breathing problems, this usually comes on gradually. Chest pain can also occur on the side of the tumour. Other symptoms include cough, loss of appetite, swallowing difficulties, weight loss, tiredness, hoarseness and sweating.
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