Mesothelioma of Peritoneum
The mesothelium lining the walls and organs of the abdomen and pelvis is called the peritoneum. Mesothelioma that develops in the peritoneum is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma or simply peritoneal mesothelioma.The peritoneum has two layers. The inner layer lines the surface of organs such as the intestine, liver and ovaries and is called visceral peritoneum. In people with peritoneal mesothelioma, an excess of fluid often accumulates between the two layers.
What is the frequency of mesothelioma?
Men are more than three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, probably because many cases have been caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Western Australia has the highest number of per capita cases due to past asbestos mining. Mesothelioma is more common in people over 65, but can occur in younger people.What are the causes of mesothelioma?
Very rarely, mesothelioma has been associated with anterior chest radiotherapy. Asbestos is the name of a group of natural minerals resistant to high temperatures and humidity. It has been used in many construction products in Australia from the 1940s to 1987.Since 2004, Australia has banned the sale, reuse and / or import of asbestos. It is still present in many old buildings. Special precautions must therefore be taken during renovation or demolition work. It has also been found in some recently imported products despite the ban.
Among the people most likely to have been exposed to asbestos at work are miners and asbestos millers, asbestos cement workers, insulators and insulators, builders, plumbers and electricians, automotive workers, mechanics, transport workers (especially water workers) and textile workers.
People who have not worked directly with asbestos but who have been exposed to it can also develop mesothelioma. These may include people cleaning work clothes with asbestos fibers or people disturbing asbestos during renovation or maintenance work.
Mesothelioma can take many years after a person's exposure to asbestos. This is called the period or latency interval - it is usually between 20 and 60 years (most often around 40 years) after exposure.
Can I claim compensation?
People who develop mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos may be able to claim compensation. Start taking notes and talking to family and friends about when you were exposed to asbestos. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the diagnosis.What can I expect after the diagnosis?
You are likely to feel shocked and upset when you are told that you may have mesothelioma. It is common to have many questions and concerns about the meaning of the diagnosis for you.Diagnosis stage - You will have different tests to confirm that you have mesothelioma and to determine its evolution. The results will enable you and your health professionals to make decisions about the best therapeutic approach.
Active Therapy - Depending on the status of mesothelioma and other factors, active cancer treatments may be offered to prolong the control of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Depending on the impact of mesothelioma on your health, you may have periods of relatively good health when the symptoms are under control or less active. You may also have periods when the symptoms require more intensive treatment. Learn more about living with mesothelioma and any questions you may want to ask your doctor.