Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) is a rare and usually fatal cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium — a protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on construction sites and have inhaled asbestos.
According to safeworkaustralia.com.au, mesothelioma of the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) is the most common form and accounts for approximately 94 percent of the cases since 1982. Mesothelioma of the peritoneal (abdominal lining) is much less commonly diagnosed, accounting for five percent of diagnoses.
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, due to high asbestos use and mining, with up to 600 new cases diagnosed each year. This is not expected to decline in the short term.
It's estimated that one in three homes built between 1840 and 1987 contain some form of asbestos and nearly all public buildings such as hospitals and schools.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier and longer exposure to asbestos but some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The cancer causes cells in the pleura to produce fluid (pleural effusion) which builds up between the two layers of pleura, pressing on the lungs.
This results in a shortness of breath and a dry cough, and can also be painful. As the cancer progresses, it can grow into the lung, lymph nodes, chest wall and ribs.
Mesothelioma in the peritoneum causes pain and a swollen abdomen, sometimes with nausea, vomiting, fever or bowel or urinary problems.
In both types, other symptoms may appear later, including severe weight loss, spitting up sputum (mucus coughed up from the lower airways) or blood, difficulty swallowing and a hoarse voice
Currently there is no cure for mesothelioma though there are some treatments which may prolong life, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
How you can help
The Biaggio Signorelli Foundation was established in memory of Biaggio Signorelli, the founder of the Doltone House Group, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007 and died eight months later.
Biaggio's family created the foundation to "fulfil Biaggio's wish with the commencement of a foundation in honour of his name devoted to finding early detection, treatment, care and ultimately a cure for mesothelioma."
Visit the foundation website to donate now and help find a cure.
For more information on mesothelioma, visit http://www.mesotheliomawise.org/
Home