mesothelioma, asbestos, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma

Most people that develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelium grows mainly in the lining of the lungs and abdomen and it takes decades for the symptoms of the cancer to surface. The main symptoms are chest pain and difficulty in breathing.

If you have worked with asbestos or materials containing asbestos, for example shipyard workers, insulation engineers, maintenance workers, building workers, you can develop mesothelioma. People working in other industries could also be exposed to asbestos without remembering the exposure. Also some people who were exposed to asbestos through washing and handling of clothes contaminated with asbestos and some people living close to asbestos industries may also develop mesothelioma.

Presently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, the treatments available only help to control the symptoms and improve quality of life of the victim. The type of treatment will be individualized and it depends on the stage of the cancer.

Help and Support
Every mesothelioma case will need support and help, many find it hard difficult to accept the diagnosis, others feel bitter and angry. Every mesothelioma victim must have access both to information about the disease and to emotional support, including someone to talk to when they feel like. There are several specialist organizations that provide such help.

Your Benefits and Compensations
All mesothelioma victims may be entitled to social security benefits and compensations from employers or both. These are some of the benefits you might be entitled to:
a}Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit-You can get this quickly paid so you should make your claim as soon as possible so as to be able to get your benefits.
b}War disablement pension-If you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the armed forces, you can make this claim from the Veterans Agency.
c}Constant Attendance Allowance-This allowance may be paid to you once you receive any of the benefits mentioned above.
d}You may also be entitled to a lump sum payment from the Government under the Pneumoconiosis e.t.c{Workers Compensation}Act 1979,or in Northern Ireland,the Pneumoconiosis e.t.c{Workers Compensation}{Northern Ireland}Order 1979.

Whoever you choose to consult about benefits, you should always ask about a payment under the 1979 Act or Order and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

These and some other benefits and compensations are what you are entitled to if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.