Over 2500 patients per year in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma. On this page, Dr Dickinson explains the basics about mesothelioma to help you understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Dr Dickinson is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist based in Leeds and treats cancers of the chest using chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue lining the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma is strongly linked with previous exposure to asbestos. There is often a delay of 20 to 50 years between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma. Many people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Most cases of mesothelioma occur in the chest. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. It is also possible, but less common, to develop mesothelioma elsewhere, such as in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma symptoms are easy to attribute to another cause such as a chest infection, ageing or another health condition. If you were ever exposed to asbestos and notice any of the following, ask your GP about asbestos-related disease.
This is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma, which can be caused by fluid collecting around the lung (a pleural effusion). Breathlessness may get worse over time, and some people may notice that they are struggling to walk as far as they could previously.
A dull, aching or sometimes sharp pain in the chest or side. Pain that is constant and gets worse over a period of weeks could be a symptom of mesothelioma.
A dry cough that does not settle, or a change in a cough you have had for years. A chest X-ray should be considered by people who have a new cough that lasts over 3 weeks.
Unexplained weight loss and a poor appetite are common symptoms of cancer. Feeling more tired than usual and tiredness which does not improve with rest can also be a symptom of cancer.
Mesothelioma is a complex cancer that is best managed by a team of specialists working together. Every patient's situation is different, so treatment is always tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
The most appropriate treatment plan depends on several factors, including the type of mesothelioma, its location and extent, your overall health, and your personal goals and priorities.
Dr Dickinson develops personalised treatment plans and uses a range of treatments, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Together, these treatments can help control the disease, manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and, in some cases, help patients live longer.
During your consultation, Dr Dickinson will explain the treatment options available to you, discuss their potential benefits and side effects, and help you decide on the approach that best fits your individual circumstances and wishes.
Chemotherapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. Chemotherapy damages cancer cells and is given to try and shrink the cancer and improve symptoms.
Immunotherapy uses drugs that help your own immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy has been an important development in the treatment of mesothelioma in recent years. Whether it is the best option for you depends on your individual circumstances.
Radiotherapy is a useful treatment to help manage symptoms such as chest pain caused by mesothelioma. Radiotherapy can often be delivered in a small number of treatment sessions.
Monitoring and managing symptoms are very important in the overall care of a patient with mesothelioma. Symptoms are reviewed and managed continuously before and during treatment. Some patients benefit from fluid being drained from the chest as this can improve breathlessness. Other patients may benefit from specialist palliative care review to help manage pain.
Mesothelioma is best managed by a consultant who specialises in the treatment of thoracic cancers. Treating cancers of the chest with radiotherapy and systemic therapy is Dr Dickinson's area of expertise.
Here are some questions patients often ask about mesothelioma. Dr Dickinson will always make time to answer any extra questions that you may have at your appointment.
Almost all cases of mesothelioma are linked to previous exposure to asbestos. Some patients can remember working with asbestos, but some people are not sure when they were exposed to asbestos. Genetic factors, viruses, and exposure to radiation may also be linked to mesothelioma.
This is one of the unusual features of mesothelioma. Typically, mesothelioma occurs 20 to 50 years after a person is exposed to asbestos. Not all people who are exposed to asbestos go on to develop mesothelioma. Asbestos can cause other non-cancer-related illnesses such as asbestosis.
Seeking a second opinion is an increasingly common step, and should not be seen as a criticism of your current team. It can offer reassurance that your existing treatment is the right choice, or open up additional options.
A second opinion is particularly worth considering if you might benefit from treatment which is not offered by the NHS. A second opinion does not always recommend a change to your current treatment plan, but can give you reassurance about the decisions which have already been made. Prior to a second opinion, Dr Dickinson will request your previous scans and clinic letters so that the consultation is as productive as possible.
Systemic therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are the main treatments used to manage mesothelioma. Radiotherapy is a useful treatment to reduce pain caused by mesothelioma or target areas not controlled by systemic therapy. Symptoms such as breathlessness may be improved by draining fluid from the chest. This is why access to a team of specialists is so important.
Patients usually have a chest X-ray and a CT scan, often performed due to breathlessness or another chest symptom. The diagnosis must then be confirmed by a biopsy - a small tissue sample is taken and examined under the microscope. This is often done by passing a needle into the tumour, or looking inside the chest with a small instrument. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis of mesothelioma and confirms the type of mesothelioma - the type of mesothelioma can influence the choice of systemic therapy.
Whilst treatment for mesothelioma has improved, treatments are given to manage the diagnosis and are not expected to cure. Whilst a cure may not be possible, effective treatment can improve quality of life and length of life compared to receiving no treatment. Dr Dickinson will always discuss the expectations of treatment before commencing a course of therapy.
Yes. You can have consultations and receive systemic therapy or radiotherapy for mesothelioma in a private setting. Not all treatments used to treat mesothelioma in a private setting are available on the NHS. Some patients with mesothelioma are able to use their industrial compensation package to access those treatments which are not available on the NHS.
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Every patient's situation is different, and the quickest way to find out whether Dr Dickinson is the right specialist for you is to share a few details. Send a brief enquiry with your diagnosis and your most recent specialist letter to get started.
