Mesothelioma – what you need to know

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma). More rarely, it can affect the heart or testicles.

Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over and men are more commonly affected. However, mesothelioma can affect anyone and sadly we are now also seeing women and younger people being diagnosed with the disease, even though they may have never knowingly worked with asbestos. Around 2,500 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK. Almost all of these diagnoses are preventable because mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.

Whilst there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment (including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy) can control symptoms and help maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Generally speaking, any exposure to asbestos dust around 10 years or more before a mesothelioma diagnosis can be considered causative. Therefore it is always worth exploring whether you have a claim for compensation; we explain how that works here.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who previously worked with asbestos in heavy industries, construction, shipping or engineering.

Our dedicated team of lawyers have brought many successful claims for former carpenters, plumbers, electricians and mechanics who worked in the trades when asbestos was deemed the material of choice due to its insulating properties.

As mentioned previously, most diagnoses of mesothelioma are in men aged over 75, but this doesn’t mean they are necessarily at more risk than others not in this category. We have also brought claims on behalf of their loved ones who were indirectly exposed to asbestos dust after they brought it home on their work clothes. Some of our clients’ asbestos exposure came from living near asbestos factories and playing as children in areas where asbestos waste was dumped.

Sadly, we are seeing an increase in claims from former school teachers, school pupils, doctors, shop workers and nurses exposed to asbestos dust through the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials in the fabric of buildings in which they worked. It has also come to light that talc has been contaminated with asbestos meaning some people may have been exposed from the use of cosmetics such as body powder and make up products.

Anyone can be impacted by asbestos. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma but don’t know how you came into contact with asbestos, please contact us so we can advise you.

Many of our clients know straight away upon receiving their diagnosis of mesothelioma how and where they came into contact with asbestos. However, as mesothelioma can develop after low levels of exposure, it can impact people who have not worked with asbestos and do not know how they were exposed.

We can consider with you how you may have been exposed to asbestos, and advise you whether you may be able to pursue a claim.

There are many circumstances in which you can bring a claim for mesothelioma, even if the exposure was many years ago. We have a full guide on key information you need to know about making a claim for mesothelioma at the link below.