Mesothelioma

A Grandfather battling an asbestos-related disease yesterday won £948,565 High Court damages. The award to 59-year-old Raymond Shanks is believed to be one of the biggest of its kind. Mr Shanks, of Grindon Close, West Monkseaton, north Tyneside, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2005, two years after his son, Michael, died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 28.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can sometimes be difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other common conditions. Diagnosis usually begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests.