Mesothelioma is a rare form of Cancer that develops from the transformed cells originating in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many internal organs of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and was used commercially for its desirable physical properties.
Mesothelioma Cancer  

Image courtesy of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

Signs or Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Signs or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest are often symptoms.

Known Causes of Mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos in the workplace is generally in the form of grinding, cutting or drilling of asbestos containing material, asbestos in a poor or weathered state, or loose asbestos containing materials such as insulation which can be come airborne when disturbed.  Strong management and control of all in situ asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the workplace is essential. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can be prevented if precautions are taken and appropriate procedures are followed. The risks posed by ACM depend on the nature and condition of the materials and the potential for exposure.

The main elements of managing the risks of ACM in workplaces are to:

• identify all ACM in the workplace, as far as practicable;

• assess the risks associated with all ACM; and

• introduce control measures to prevent, as far as practicable, the generation of airborne asbestos fibres and any exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

This can be achieved by engaging an experienced and licensed Asbestos assessor to conduct an Asbestos Audit

A number of approaches for the control of ACM are outlined in this National Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces, but there may be specific applications where special approaches are required.

Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Generally a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.

Treatment

The prognosis for malignant mesothelioma remains disappointing, treatment at earlier stages having a slightly better prognosis, but cures are exceedingly rare. Typical treatments consist of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Mesothelioma in Australia

Next to the United Kingdom, Australia has the highest rate of asbestos-related cancer deaths in the world. Since the early 1980’s when the country first began keeping mesothelioma records more than 10,000 individuals have succumb to the disease, according to experts 25,000 Australians are expected to die over the next four decades from mesothelioma.

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