Types of cancer
Mesothelioma
Helping you understand the different types of mesothelioma, diagnosis, treatment options and whether you might be able to seek compensation.
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Sources and references 
If you’re affected by mesothelioma, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well.
About mesothelioma
Find out about the different types of mesothelioma and how common it is.
Mesothelioma symptoms, risks and screening
Learn about the common symptoms and risk factors for mesothelioma, and the mesothelioma screening program
Diagnosing mesothelioma
Information about the tests for mesothelioma, how mesothelioma is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.
Treatments for mesothelioma
Treatment for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Managing symptoms of mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma may be managed with a combination of drug therapies and pleural drains.
Living with mesothelioma
Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing.
Making a claim
Some people who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be able to claim compensation.
Sources and references
Understanding Mesothelioma - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends
Acknowledgments
This edition has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by A/Prof Anthony Linton, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Prof David Morris, Peritonectomy Surgeon, St George Hospital and UNSW, NSW.
This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: A/Prof Anthony Linton (see above); Dr Naveed Alam, (see above); Donatella Arnoldo, Consumer; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Melvin (Wee Loong) Chin, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, WA; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic and Sleep Physician and Director, UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Vicki Hamilton OAM, Consumer and CEO, Asbestos Council of Victoria/ GARDS Inc., VIC; Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Prof Brian Le, Director, Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Lung Cancer Support Nurses, Lung Foundation Australia; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Prof David Morris (see above); Joanne Oates, Registered Occupational Therapist, Expert Witness in Dust Diseases, and Director, Evaluate, NSW; Chris Sheppard and Adam Barlow, RMB Lawyers.
We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who worked on previous editions of this title. Previous editions of this title and related resources were funded in part by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities and a donation from Lyall Watts.
Cancer Council 13 11 20
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Guide to best cancer care
This mesothelioma guide explains the standard of high-quality cancer care that all Australians can expect, from diagnosis, to treatment, recovery, and living with cancer.