Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. This is a thin lining (membrane) that covers the outer surface of many organs in the body. It also lines the spaces (cavities) within the body, such as the chest and abdominal cavity.

The mesothelium has different names depending on where it is in the body. For example:

• the mesothelium in the chest is called the pleura
• the mesothelium the tummy (abdomen) is called the peritoneum.

Cancer of the mesothelium is called malignant mesothelioma. But it is usually called mesothelioma.

In the UK, more than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Mesothelioma symptoms depend on whether it is in the pleura or peritoneum.

You usually begin by seeing your GP. They will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. They may also ask if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Depending on the results of any tests, your GP may refer you to hospital for further tests.

You may need to have a number of different tests before your doctor can make a diagnosis.

You may have the following tests:

• chest x-ray
• CT scan
• pleural aspiration
• pleural biopsy.

You may have the following tests:

• abdominal x-ray
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• peritoneal aspiration
• peritoneal biopsy.

We have more information about diagnosing mesothelioma.

You may get anxious between appointments. This is natural. It may help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation.

Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online
• Visit our mesothelioma forum to talk with people who have been affected by mesothelioma, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions. We have more information about treatment for mesothelioma.

Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are treated in different ways. For both types you may have treatments to help control symptoms. You may have treatment as part of a clinical trial.

Treatments may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• surgery
• immunotherapy.

Treatments may include:

• chemotherapy
• surgery
• HIPEC.

After your treatment has finished, your hospital doctor, GP, or specialist nurse will arrange for you to have regular check-ups. They will continue to monitor your symptoms and check if you need any more treatments to help control them. If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms between check-ups, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

If you think you need extra help at home, tell the doctors or nurses looking after you. They can look at your needs and organise extra support. They can also arrange for you to see a physiotherapist if you need help with your mobility or advice on breathing exercises.