Overview
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in the lining of the body's organs. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
What is mesothelioma?
- Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the lining of the body's organs (mesothelium).
- Mesothelioma usually affects the lining of the lungs. It can sometimes affect the lining of the tummy (abdomen).
- Being in close contact with, and breathing in, asbestos (a material used in some buildings) over a long period of time is the most common cause of mesothelioma.
- How serious mesothelioma is depends on the area of your body affected, how big the cancer is, if it has spread and your general health.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Main symptoms of mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type you have and the area of your body affected.
In most people, mesothelioma affects the lining of their lungs (pleural mesothelioma). In some people, it affects the lining of their tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- a cough that does not go away
- difficulty swallowing
- a hoarse voice
- a high temperature
- sweating heavily at night
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- curved nails over rounded fingertips (clubbing)
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
See a GP if:
you have the symptoms of mesothelioma and think you've come into contact with and breathed in asbestos over a long period of time.
Important
Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have mesothelioma, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
What happens at your GP appointment
The GP will ask about your symptoms and work history. They may gently feel any areas that are painful or swollen, and listen to your lungs.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
The specialist you see will depend on your symptoms. If your lungs are affected, you'll see a respiratory specialist. If you have abdominal symptoms, you'll see a gastroenterologist.
Find out more
Seeing a GP when you have symptoms of mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Referral to a specialist for symptoms of mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Causes of mesothelioma
Main causes of mesothelioma
The main cause of mesothelioma is breathing in asbestos fibres over a long period of time.
Asbestos is a building material that was used in the UK from the 1950s until it was banned in 1999.
You may have been exposed to asbestos if you work, or used to work, in the building industry in a job such as:
- an electrician, carpenter or plumber
- a heating and ventilation engineer
- a construction or demolition worker
It can take a long time (15 to 60 years) for mesothelioma to develop after being exposed to asbestos.
Find out more
Asbestos and other risks of mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Tests and next steps for mesothelioma
Main tests for mesothelioma
The tests for mesothelioma depend on your symptoms and the area of your body that's affected.
The GP may arrange for you to have an X-ray of your chest or tummy depending on the symptoms you have.
Other tests you may have after being referred to a specialist include:
- scans, like a CT scan, an ultrasound scan or a PET-CT scan
- fluid may be drained from your lungs or tummy using a small tube and checked for cancer cells
- an operation where a small cut is made in your chest or abdomen and a long, thin tube with a camera at the end used to look inside your lungs or tummy
Find out more
Tests for mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Getting your results
It can take several weeks to get the results of your tests.
You may be asked to go to the hospital to get your results, or they may be sent to you in the post.
Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.
You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you.
A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.
If you're told you have mesothelioma
Being told you have mesothelioma can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.
It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.
A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
This will include a clinical nurse specialist, who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.
You can ask them any questions you have.
Get support
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call 0808 808 00 00
Next steps
If you've been told you have mesothelioma, you may need more tests.
These can include:
- a small operation to remove a tiny piece of affected lining from your lungs or tummy to check it for cancer cells (biopsy)
- different, more specialised types of ultrasound scan
You may not have all these tests.
The results of these tests will help show if the cancer has spread and how far (called the stage).
The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Find out more
Stages of mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Treatment for mesothelioma
Main treatments for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be difficult to treat.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- the type of mesothelioma
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
Immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system fight the cancer, is the most common treatment for mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive treatments may also be used to help control symptoms.
Surgery is rarely used to treat mesothelioma, but may be if the cancer is found early.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
- help you prepare for treatment and manage any side effects
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. Depending on the stage of your mesothelioma, you may have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is where medicines are used to help your immune system kill the cancer.
You may have immunotherapy for mesothelioma if:
- you're unable to have surgery
- before other treatments like chemotherapy
Find out more
Immunotherapy for mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
You may have chemotherapy for mesothelioma:
- to treat it if it's found early
- at the same time as other treatments, such as surgery or radiotherapy, to help make them more effective
- to help make the cancer smaller or control and improve symptoms
Find out more
Chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.
You may have radiotherapy for mesothelioma:
after surgery to help stop the cancer coming back
to help slow the growth of the cancer and control the symptoms
Find out more
Radiotherapy for pleural mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Surgery
Surgery is not often used to treat mesothelioma because removing all the cancer can be difficult.
You may have surgery if mesothelioma is found early or to help relieve your symptoms.
Find out more
Surgery for pleural mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
Surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK)
What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you've been diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma, it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer.
In this situation, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.
Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in. You'll be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team.
They'll work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.
Find out more
End of life care (Macmillan Cancer Support)
Help and support for mesothelioma
Where to find help and support
If you have mesothelioma, your specialist team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma UK
Information and support for anyone affected by mesothelioma.
Website: www.mesothelioma.uk.com
Support line: 0800 169 2409
Mesothelioma support groups
Cancer Research UK
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
Macmillan Cancer Support: online mesothelioma forum
Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services
Asbestos Victims Support Group UK
Website: www.asbestosforum.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 278 2515
Asbestos Victims Support Group UK: after being exposed to asbestos
Asbestos Victims Support Group UK: being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease
Marie Curie
Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 090 2309
Marie Curie: support services