Asbestos exposure can lead to many lung conditions, including lung cancer, defused pleural thickening, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma, which commonly affects the lining of the lungs, is often difficult to treat because of its location, but there are a number of treatments which, although they won't cure the illness, can help ease symptoms and extend life expectancy.

Surgery may be an option for some mesothelioma patients, and can involve removing the tumour along with a portion of or the whole of the lungs. Due to the invasive nature of the surgery, it'll only usually be performed on someone in good health and where the treatment can be localised.

Another option is to drain fluid from around the lungs, which can be performed by keyhole surgery, with talc placed around the lung to seal the space between the pleural linings of the lungs. This procedure can help the lungs function better.

As mesothelioma can form a tumour around the lung that prevents it from expanding, a procedure has been developed in which the lung is 'skimmed' of the tumour to help the lungs expand. Again, this can be performed by keyhole or more invasive surgery.

Chemotherapy is also a treatment option.

Anyone suffering with mesothelioma should discuss treatment options with their treating consultant.

The British Lung Foundation can provide support to anyone affected by lung disease via telephone or through their specialist nurses, counsellors and patient support groups.

For more general advice, please visit our asbestos claims page.

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