About mesothelioma
In the UK, about 1,800 people get mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma is four times more common in men than women.
The mesothelium
The mesothelium consists of a thin layer of mesothelial cells. A mesothelium layer surrounds some of the organs in the body. Each mesothelium has an inner (visceral) layer and an outer (parietal) layer. These two layers produce fluid which allows the layers to slide over each other easily.
If you have mesothelioma, the mesothelium thickens due to the growing cancer cells. This causes the mesothelium to restrict what it surrounds, such as the lungs or bowels. Fluid can also collect between the inner and outer layers of the mesothelium which can put pressure on surrounding organs and tissues. This collection of fluid has a different name, depending on where it is. For example, if the fluid is in the mesothelium surrounding the lungs it's called pleural effusion and if the fluid is in the mesothelium around the abdomen (tummy) it's called ascites.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
The general symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- fever
- sweating - particularly at night
- unexplained weight loss
- feeling tired
Depending on which mesothelium is affected by the cancer, you may also have other symptoms.
If you have pleural mesothelioma you may:
- have chest or back pain
- feel breathless
- cough
- have a hoarse voice
- have difficulty swallowing
If you have peritoneal mesothelioma you may:
- have a swollen abdomen
- have abdominal pain
- lose your appetite
- have diarrhoea or constipation
Although not necessarily a result of mesothelioma, if you have these symptoms you should visit your GP.
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