Mesothelioma

I would like to thank you and your colleagues for the kindness shown to myself and my wife. I class myself as very fortunate to have met such kind and caring people.

Raymond, Hertfordshire

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the body's internal organs.

The mesothelium is made up of two layers, one which surrounds the organ itself, and the other which forms a sac lining around it. A small amount of fluid is normally produced between these two layers, lubricating the movement of the protected organs. When the normal cells of the mesothelium begin to reproduce abnormally, mesothelioma occurs.

The most common form of mesothelioma is "pleural" mesothelioma. This occurs in the lining of the lung. Other forms are "peritoneal" mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity, and "pericardial" mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart.

New surgery techniques combined with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are being used by doctors in order to treat and control pain but at present there is no cure.

Return to Glossary Index

Navigate This Section

Make A Claim

If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.

Fill out our quick claim form

Call Us

If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:

0870 024 0558

©2011 Alexander Harris Solicitors - Merged with Irwin Mitchell since 02/05/06

Irwin Mitchell