‘It's all bad news’: the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Abstract

Objective: This study explores patient's experience during the first three months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.Methods: This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-toface interviews with ten patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.

British Thoracic Society Guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

“…First-degree relatives reported lower opinions of others, a greater belief that goals cannot be reached or problems solved, support for the notion that they are indecisive and were more likely to suffer from fear that significantly inhibited normal activities than were healthy controls. Arber and Spencer 167 interviewed 10 patients with MPM from two hospitals in the South of England 167 . All participants reported high levels of uncertainty and feelings of a lack of control leading to psychosocial distress since receiving their diagnosis.…”

The psychological distress and care needs of mesothelioma patients and asbestos‐exposed subjects: A systematic review of published studies

“…Among papers that focus on exposed subjects, eight are quantitative in nature, one is an exposed vs non exposed study, two are nested studies, and five are cross‐sectional studies . Psychological interventions have been analyzed in three studies, and one study focused on exposed subjects . The diverse nature of these studies does not allow diagnosable levels of psychopathology to be identified.…”

“…Some of the qualitative tools used in many of our sample studies include semi‐structured interviews and transcripts from psychotherapy group sessions . The psychological impact of diagnosis, the onset of physical symptoms, the distribution of risk information, lifestyle habits, coping strategies, and occupational context were the most commonly identified constructs.…”

“…Several studies have focused on the onset of numerous psychological symptoms and emotional responses to the severe physical conditions associated with MM. At the moment of MM diagnosis, many studies detected reactions of shock and dismay, which in turn led to anxiety, depression, apathy, discomfort, difficulty concentrating, and social dysfunction . The intensity of the syndromic event is dependent on the communication skills of the health care professionals who treat MM patients.…”

Palliative care in mesothelioma: Are current services RESPECT-able enough?

“…In a study of 495 patients,5 92% reported three or more symptoms at diagnosis with fatigue (94%), dyspnoea (89%), chest pain (85%), appetite loss (87%) and cough (75%) being the most common. The psychological burden of a diagnosis of MPM can be equally distressing with patients reporting feelings of uncertainty and lack of control 6. Carers of patients with MPM similarly report an emotional and physical toll 7.…”