Rising Incidence of Mesothelioma Cases by Danial D

Mesothelioma Cases Rising in the UK

MESOTHELIOMA is a cancerous condition caused almost always by past exposure to asbestos fiber. Though a relatively rare disease, its incidence has risen 90% since 1992 to about 1,800 deaths annually, working out to one death every five hours. The numbers are feared to peak at 2,500 deaths annually during 2011-2015.

The disease and its types

Mesothelioma is a proliferation of cells, usually malignant, in the mesothelium, a protective lining over the body's internal organs.

Mesothelioma can be of three types. * The most common type is pleural mesothelioma (affects tissues surrounding the lungs). * The second most common type is peritoneal mesothelioma (affects abdominal tissues). * The third and least common type is pericardial mesothelioma (affects tissues surrounding the heart).

Vulnerable groups

People most vulnerable to mesothelioma are ones who have worked in asbestos-polluted environments. There were many workplaces with such environment in the UK until the mid-1970s, when the dangers of asbestos-inhalation were unknown or not taken seriously. Almost all mesothelioma patients today are people who worked in such environments.

Therefore, the groups most vulnerable to mesothelioma are:

* People with a history of asbestos exposure, with men at 85% higher risk than women.

* Their family members (since asbestos fiber can be carried on clothing too).

People living in areas where factories once used asbestos, such as:

* Shipbuilding areas: o West Dumbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and South Tyneside.

* Railway engineering areas: o Eastleigh, Crewe, and Nantwich.

* Asbestos products manufacturing areas: o Barking, Dagenham, and Newham.

Symptoms and detection

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, i.e., its symptoms start manifesting as long as 15-60 years after asbestos exposure. Pain is its most distressing symptom. Others are: breathlessness, symptoms of common cold, weight loss, and general debilitation.

Preliminary detection of mesothelioma is by clinical or radiological tests, followed by confirmation through biopsy.

Management

Early detection results in better management of the disease and can, in rare cases, lead to cure. Surgery offers the best prospects for cure of early mesothelioma. If surgery is not possible, radiation or chemotherapy are the other options.

Patients can also participate in clinical trials for newer though experimental treatments. All treatments are accompanied by pain-control therapies.

Legal compensation

Early in 2007, Scotland led the UK in amending mesothelioma-related law to allow dependents to claim compensation from the victim's employer after the victim's death. This is in addition to the claim rights of the living patients themselves.

However, there is a statutory 3-year limit for making a claim: three years from diagnosis and/or from the patient's death.

Summary

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the protective tissues surrounding the body's internal organs, usually in the thorax or the abdomen. It is caused by past inhalation of asbestos fiber.

The disease is almost always fatal with one death every five hours in the UK currently. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the usual treatments. Under UK law, victims, as well as their dependents, can claim monetary compensation from employers responsible for exposing the patient to asbestos.

Danial D. Mesothelioma Hope

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