Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Malignant Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma is a malignant tumour that develops on the pleura (lung lining). Should you be diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, we're dedicated to providing you with the highest level of personalised treatment and care, led by our team of experts
About mesothelioma
A malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumour that usually forms on the pleura (lung lining). It's often brought on by asbestos exposure, although there is generally a long delay between the original exposure and the tumour developing. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma.
Need to know
- dry cough
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- fatigue
- weight loss
A thorascopy is used to diagnose mesothelioma. This is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that involves draining fluid from your chest cavity and then taking a biopsy (sample) of your lung lining. This biopsy will then be sent away and tested for cancer.
Whilst there isn't a cure for malignant mesothelioma, we offer treatments and therapies that can help to improve your symptoms. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your HCA UK oncologist will explain our treatments and therapies to you. Whilst surgery plays an essential role in treating the cancer, you may also receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
London Mesothelioma Service
Our dedicated multidisciplinary teams across The Lister Hospital and London Bridge Hospital are highly experienced, with specialist expertise in treating patients with mesothelioma. Our surgeons have been involved in multiple clinical trials and procedures with excellent postoperative outcomes.
We offer the full range of diagnostic procedures and therapies, and also specialise in pain management and nutrition. Mesothelioma treatment may involve chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy in selected cases. We have also access to clinical trials providing access to new drugs through the HCA Sarah Cannon Centre with state of the art imaging, chemotherapy and radiotherapy facilities.
As the only dedicated mesothelioma clinic in Europe, we are open to various invasive and non-invasive therapies, whilst utilising the most innovative technology. Yet despite our committed approach, we fully understand that decades of practice have proven that mesothelioma cannot be cured by one treatment or consultant alone.
Our team is thus comprised of experts, each with over 15 years sub-specialist experience in areas such as:
- Chest medicine
- Interventional radiology
- Thoracic surgery
- Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine
- Radiation and medical oncology
- Pathology
- Palliative care and pain management
It is our belief that every mesothelioma patient should be offered the opportunity to discuss all available therapies, and to make an informed decision about treatment after receiving the most suitable recommendations from our team.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.