What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in your mesothelial cells (cells that line your internal organs). Mesothelioma is usually caused by being exposed to asbestos fibres or asbestos dust.

In the past, asbestos was used in many building products in Australia. Because of this, Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world.

Asbestos is now banned in Australia, but the number of Australians with mesothelioma is growing. This is because it takes 10 to 60 years after being exposed to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop.

There are 2 main types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma — this develops in your pleura (the lining of your lungs and chest wall). It makes up 9 out of every 10 cases of mesothelioma.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma — this develops in the lining of your abdomen (tummy) and pelvis.

Mesothelioma can develop in the lining of your heart or testicles, however this is rare.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• shortness of breath, which is often worse when you are active
• chest pain or shoulder pain
• weight loss or loss of appetite
• a cough that doesn't go away
• night sweats
• very sensitive skin

Mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up in the space around your lungs. This is called pleural effusion.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• swelling or pain in your abdomen (tummy)
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• fever
• fatigue (excessive tiredness)
• night sweats
• problems with urinating (weeing) or bowel movements (pooing)

Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up in your abdomen. This is called peritoneal effusion, also known as ascites.

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so having these symptoms does not always mean you have mesothelioma.

What causes mesothelioma?

The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibres or asbestos dust. Asbestos was used in many building products in Australia from the 1940's until 1987.

You are more likely to have been exposed to asbestos if you have worked as a:

• builder
• plumber
• electrician
• insulator

You may also have been exposed to asbestos if you have:

• lived in a house containing asbestos
• been to areas where asbestos has been disturbed

It takes 10 to 60 years after being exposed to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop.

Another possible cause of mesothelioma is exposure to radiotherapy, however this is rare.

When should I see my doctor?

If you experience any symptoms of mesothelioma or are worried about your symptoms, see your doctor.

It's important to tell your doctor if you think you have been exposed to asbestos.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

To diagnose mesothelioma your doctor will:

• ask about your symptoms
• ask about your occupation (job) history
• do a physical examination

Your doctor may refer you for further tests, such as:

• blood tests — these can provide information about your general health and help rule out other conditions
• biopsy — a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory to be checked for cancer cells
• x-ray — this can show any changes in your lungs or abdomen
• CT scan — this takes pictures of the inside of your body and can help diagnose cancer

If you have symptoms of mesothelioma, you might also have a build-up of fluid around your lungs. Your doctor may recommend you have this fluid drained before you have further tests.

How is mesothelioma treated?

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are treatment options to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The treatment that is best for you will depend on:

• the type of mesothelioma you have
• what stage the mesothelioma is (how much it has grown and if it has spread)
• your symptoms
• your general health
• your treatment preference

Treatment options for mesothelioma include:

• surgery — if your cancer is diagnosed early, a surgeon can remove the tissue where the mesothelioma is growing
• chemotherapy — this uses medicines to destroy the cancer cells
• immunotherapy — this uses medicines to help your body's immune system fight the cancer cells
• radiotherapy — this uses radiation to destroy the cancer cells
• palliative care — if treatment does not work to get rid of the cancer, you may be offered palliative care to help ease your symptoms

Treatment to drain fluid from your lungs or abdomen can help with your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you have a drain (small tube) inserted permanently to allow fluid to be removed regularly.

New treatments for mesothelioma are being developed all the time. Talk to your doctor about being part of a clinical trial.

Living with mesothelioma

If you have mesothelioma, you might feel quite healthy at times. At other times, you will need treatment to help manage your symptoms.

It's common to find it hard to adjust to a diagnosis of cancer. If you are struggling, you can seek support from:

• your doctor
• a therapist
• other people who have been through cancer

In Australia, people with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation.

If you choose to do so, you can provide your information to the Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR). The AMR works with the government to make policies which can help prevent other people from getting mesothelioma in future.

What are the complications of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can cause various complications.

Metastasis

Mesothelioma can metastasise (spread to other parts of your body) and cause complications. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the lower your chance of metastasis.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma can cause complications such as:

• difficulty sleeping
• constipation
• poor appetite

Talk to your doctor about how to best manage these complications.

Can mesothelioma be prevented?

Mesothelioma can't be prevented once you have been exposed to the cause. You can reduce your risk of getting mesothelioma by avoiding exposure to asbestos.

It's important to be careful in places where asbestos might be found and to follow all safety guidelines.

Resources and support

• If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, you can register your information on the Australian Government's Australian Government's National Asbestos Exposure Register (NAER).
• Call the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia on 1800 017 758 for support and advice if you have been exposed to asbestos.
• For information on living with mesothelioma, contact Cancer Council Australia on 13 11 20.
• The Lung Foundation Australia has information and support in languages other than English. You can call them on 1800 654 30.

Visit Safe Work Australia for information on how to protect yourself from asbestos at work.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.