1% of all cases8

Pericardialmesothelioma

Affects the lining around the heart

10-20% of all cases8

Peritonealmesothelioma

Affects the lining of the abdomen and pelvic cavity

<1% of all cases8

Testicularmesothelioma

Affects the lining around the

testicles

Malignant pleural mesothelioma

Despite being rare, the incidence of mesothelioma worldwide continues to increase; it is yet to reach its peak.1

Researchers suggest that for every four to five cases of mesothelioma reported, one case will be overlooked.7

How does malignant pleural mesothelioma develop?

Other risk factors for malignant pleural mesothelioma include:

The common symptoms of mesothelioma are often ambiguous and can be easy to miss:9

Mesothelioma is five times more common in men

than women.1

More than 75% of newly diagnosed

patients are over 65.4

Exposure to ionising radiation and SV40 virus.1

Pain in the side of chest/lower back9

Shortness of breath9 Cough9

A number of diagnostic tests may be carried out to ensure a correct diagnosis. �ese can include:9,10

The trapped fibres can enter the lining of the lung and chest wall, which over time causes inflammation, scarring and genetic damage.1

This damage to the lining can lead to the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma.1

When microscopic asbestos fibres are inhaled, it is difficult for our bodies to exhale them.1,5

A rare and aggressive cancer of the mesothelial cells1

X-ray

CT scan

Thoracentesis

Thoracoscopy

In its advanced stages, when most patients are diagnosed, the average survival time is approximately 12 months.9

Armed forces veterans3

Construction industry workers1

Shipyard workers1

The majority of all cases are traced to men who had exposure to asbestos through working in a number of specific industries.1

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral.1 The microscopic fibres are extremely durable and resistant to fire.1 As a result asbestos was the material of choice for a number of products until the late 1970s, when it became evident that asbestos posed a threat to human health and safety.1,5

25 human hairs

100 cotton fibres

33,000 to 55,000 asbestos fibres

Over 80% of mesothelioma diagnoses

are associated with exposure to asbestos.4

It can take between 20 and 40 years from

the initial exposure to the onset of disease symptoms.

�is is known as the latency period.1,6

Each year approximately 14,000 people

are diagnosed with mesothelioma.7

Mesothelial cells form a pavement-like layer around

the body’s cavities and organs to line and protect

them. In the lungs, this layer is known as the pleura.2

Up to 80% of all cases8

Pleuralmesothelioma

Jan Feb Mar Apr

May Jun Jul Aug

Sep Oct Nov Dec

�e three main treatment options for patients with

malignant pleural mesothelioma are surgery,

chemotherapy and radiotherapy.9

Current treatment options are very limited and the survival time is

particularly poor.9

Most cases of mesothelioma occur in the lining of the lungs; this is called malignant pleural mesothelioma.8

Other types of mesothelioma can

occur but these are much rarer.8

Male gender Age Other factors

years old

Insertion of a small tube which is guided by a camera

to remove a sample of the lining of the lungs for testing

Insertion of a small tube to draw some fluid for testing

References1. Røe OD et al. Eur Respir Rev 2015; 24: 115–131. 2. Mutsares SE et al. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2004; 36: 9-16. 3. Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Veterans & Mesothelioma. Last accessed Sep-tember 2016 at http://www.mesothelioma.com/veterans/. 4. Robinson BM. Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2012; 1: 491-6. 5. Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. What is Asbestos? Last accesses September 2016 at http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/what-is-asbestos.htm. 6. Bianchi C, et al. Ind Health 2007; 45: 379-87. 7. Park E-K, et al. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119: 514-518. 8. Hassan R, et al. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2005; 19: 1067-87. 9. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Version 3.2016. 10. Porpodis K, et al. J Thorac Dis 2013; 5 (Suppl 4): S397–S406.