Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma
There are two main types of mesothelioma, called Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma. There is also a third type of mesothelioma called Pericardial Mesothelioma; however this is a very rare condition.Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres into the lungs. A tumour forms on the lining (pleura) of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and painful. The majority of mesothelioma claims we deal with are for Pleural Mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common but is also caused by exposure to asbestos. A tumour then develops on the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) which prevents it from working properly to lubricate the organs inside the abdomen. Although Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common we have still dealt with mesothelioma claims for this disease.
How is Mesothelioma Contracted?
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by breathing in asbestos dust. Mesothelioma affects approximately four times as many men as women. This is because in most cases the exposure to asbestos occurred at work in places such as shipyards, building sites, power stations, railway workshops and other factories where predominantly men were employed decades ago.Unlike other asbestos related conditions, mesothelioma can develop even after exposure to relatively low levels of asbestos or where the exposure took place over a relatively short period of time.
Many women who have developed mesothelioma have contracted it after contact with the work clothes and overalls belonging to their male relatives although some were directly exposed at work or by living close by to a factory which released asbestos fibres into the surrounding environment.
Workers most at risk from developing Mesothelioma
Professions where asbestos was commonplace
At Thompsons Solicitors, we have helped many victims of asbestos to make mesothelioma claims. Due to the fact that we have dealt with so many of these mesothelioma claims we have seen a pattern develop showing the workers most at risk from developing mesothelioma and some of these are listed below.Boilermakers and Laggers - It was commonplace for boilers to be insulated with asbestos lagging. Boilermakers also work alongside the contractors (laggers) who install and renew asbestos boiler insulation. This type of work has put boilermakers and laggers at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Electricians - are at risk of developing mesothelioma because they also worked alongside laggers. Electricians also often have to cut or drill through asbestos insulation to install cable trays, instruments, switches and wiring systems.
Joiners and Carpenters and Builders - are also at risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of sawing, drilling and fixing or replacing asbestos cement board often used in partition walls, suspended ceilings, flooring, roof tiles and thermal insulation.
Motor Mechanics - may have been exposed to asbestos as it was frequently used in brake pads and clutches. This has put some Motor Mechanics at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Pipe Fitters and Plumbers - install, maintain and repair pipes, boilers and heating systems. The nature of their work means that they have to cut or drill through walls as well as cutting and assembling sections of pipe, removing and replacing damaged sections of pipe, valve and flanges etc. All of these tasks put them at risk of developing mesothelioma as pipes frequently used to be covered with asbestos lagging. As the pipes were cut, fibres from the asbestos lagging were released into the air and inhaled by the pipefitter or plumber.
Victims of mesothelioma are certainly not limited to the professions mentioned above. Our specialist mesothelioma solicitors have helped victims of this asbestos related disease with their mesothelioma claims who have worked in many other professions including fire fighters, teachers, police officers, managers and a professor.
What is asbestos?
How asbestos was used
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and its name is derived from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable. It was mined and used by the Ancient Greeks and the Romans then became increasingly popular during the 19th century.Due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, together with its ability to absorb sound, asbestos was commonly used by the building trade as an additive to cement, by the car industry as brake shoes and in the engineering industry as a lagging for pipes and boilers.
Asbestos was used heavily after the Second World War in 1945 and was not completely banned from use in the UK until 1999.
Example of a Mesothelioma Compensation Claim we have dealt with
Pipe Fitter and Plumber exposed to asbestos
A former shipyard worker who was exposed to asbestos was awarded more than £150,000 incompensation with help from Thompsons Solicitors.Charles Cochran, 67, was awarded the compensation after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung. There is no cure for the disease and sufferers often have just months to live following diagnosis. Charles’ case was settled within four months by Thompsons.
He began his working life as an 16-year-old apprentice at Walker Naval Yard where he was exposed to asbestos used by shipyard contractors. He was never warned it was dangerous and remembers workmates playing football with it during their lunch break.
Charles, who is married to Beryl and has four stepchildren, three children, and 15 grandchildren, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2007 after going to his doctor complaining of flu-like symptoms. He said: “This compensation is not going to bring my health back. But it will make sure my wife will be looked after. It’s a big relief for me to know that.”
Andrew Venn, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease for all involved. It is important that asbestos victims and their family members obtain proper compensation quickly from the insurers of the companies who caused the disease.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Seeking Medical help
Mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 40 years or more after an exposure to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you start to suffer from any of the following symptoms you should visit your GP and mention your concerns:- Pains in the lower back, abdomen or chest
- A persistent cough
- Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest
- Rapid weight loss
- Problems with appetite or difficulty swallowing
- Sweating, fevers, diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the abdomen
For more information about mesothelioma, read our mesothelioma leaflet.
Mesothelioma Compensation Claim Advice
Thompsons Solicitors and Mesothelioma Claims
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate and free compensation claim advice.Thompsons Solicitors have a history of fighting for the rights of all workers and in particular for those who have been negligently exposed to asbestos by their employers. We won the first ever successful compensation claim in the UK for asbestos related disease in 1972. We have been involved in numerous campaigns to ensure that victims of asbestos receive the medical care and compensation they are entitled to.
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