Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma Booklet

Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma BookletUnderstanding Pleural Mesothelioma Booklet – The booklet has been prepared to help you understand how pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated. We also include information about support services.

As the experience for every person with pleural mesothelioma is different, you need to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. However, we hope the information in this booklet will answer some of your questions and help you think about other questions to ask your treatment team.

This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover – just read the parts that are useful to you. Some medical terms that may be unfamiliar are explained in the glossary. You may also like to pass this booklet to your family and friends for their information.

How this booklet was developed – Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma Booklet

This information was developed with help from a range of health professionals and people affected by pleural mesothelioma. It is based on an extensive review1 of the medical literature and clinical practice guidelines developed with the support of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Source: Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends First published June 2015. © Cancer Council Australia 2015. ISBN 978 1 925136 54 8

Contents

What is cancer ?

The lungs

The role of pleura

What is mesothelioma ?

What are the different types ?

How common is pleural mesothelioma ?

What causes pleural mesothelioma?

What are the symptoms?

What will it mean for me?

Diagnosis

General tests

CT scan

Biopsy

Other ways to diagnose mesothelioma

Further tests

Staging

Prognosis

Which health professionals will I see ?

Making treatment decisions

Talking with doctors

A second opinion

Taking part in a clinical trial

Treatment for symptoms

Breathlessness

Difficulty sleeping

Fatigue

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Constipation

Pain

Palliative treatment

Active treatment

Chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

Trimodality therapy

Living with pleural mesothelioma

Dealing with feelings of sadness

Ongoing management

What if pleural mesothelioma becomes active again?

Making a claim

Common law claim

Statutory benefits

Looking after yourself

Relationships with others

Sexuality, intimacy and fertility

Seeking support

Practical and financial help

Talk to someone who’s been there

Caring for someone with pleural mesothelioma

Question checklist

Useful websites

Glossary

Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma Booklet