A rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelial cells covering the outer surface of most of our internal organs. Mesothelium is a lining which gives the disease its name, the disease most commonly occurs in the tissues covering the lungs.
The most common cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Around 80% of people diagnosed with the disease report having been in contact with asbestos at some point in their life, often before the material was banned for safety reasons. The greater the exposure, the greater risk but some patients say they have no history of heavy exposure and may simply be unlucky.
Used widely as in insulating material from the 40's to the 90's, asbestos is a fireproof material which featured heavily in the construction industry. People most at risk are those who worked directly or were exposed to the material during this time but the threat is still present.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma may not develop until up to four decades after exposure which causes the disease to go undiagnosed for many years often until it is too late. Asbestos was banned in the 90's so cases are expected to peak at around 2020 after which there should be a decline.
Mesothelioma does not have many early warning signs so if you experience respiratory issues, weight loss, bowel issues and heavy sweating it is important to seek medical advice even though these can be caused by other illnesses.
If you do experience any of these symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos in the past it is vital that you first seek medical advice but it is also likely that you are eligible for compensation and it may be worth seeking legal advice.
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