Mr David Cook, 69, was diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma — an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of cancer — in December 2023. He first visited his GP after experiencing swelling and pain in his right testicle.  

Initially treated for an infection, he was later referred to Urology at James Cook University Hospital, where an ultrasound scan revealed a cyst or growth. 

He underwent surgery to remove the growth and, following detailed histopathology testing, doctors delivered the devastating news — the tumour contained malignant mesothelioma cells. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, a rare and aggressive form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure.  

Sadly, medical experts have advised him that the outlook for testicular mesothelioma is poor, even in cases where the disease appears to have been completely removed. 

“When I was told it was mesothelioma and caused by asbestos, I was stunned,” Mr Cook said. “I’d always associated asbestos with people working in shipyards or heavy industry — never in a shop like ours. It’s been incredibly difficult going through the procedures and treatments, and it’s hard to hear that my health will likely continue to deteriorate.” 

Following his diagnosis and the news that asbestos exposure was the likely cause, he instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the circumstances surrounding his exposure and whether more could have been done to protect him. 

The firm’s investigation found that, more than four decades earlier, Mr Cook had worked from 1976/77 to 1978/79 at Dickens Hypermarket — a large DIY and homeware store on Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees — as a salesman in the store’s “Take ’n’ Save” section. The department sold job-lot materials and offcuts, including loose asbestos sheets that he believes were bought at auction. 

He recalls: “I handled the asbestos sheets several times a week. They were grey, brittle, and often broken, with rough edges that released dust when handled. I’d carry them against my body, stack them in the corner of the store, and throw the broken pieces into skips. None of us were warned it was dangerous, and no protective gear was ever provided.” 

Mr Cook also remembers contractors working nearby, insulating warehouse steelwork with fireproof boards which he believes may have contained asbestos, creating further dust as they were cut and fitted. 

As part of their investigation, Thompsons sought input from a range of experts — including medical specialists and engineers — to confirm the type of asbestos he would likely have been exposed to in his role, and to establish how that exposure could have caused his illness. 

With the support of his specialist asbestos legal team, Mr Cook brought a legal claim against his former employer A. Dicken & Son (Tees-side) Limited.  

The case was settled out of court and without an admission of liability in October 2025, with an agreement to fund any future private medical treatment he may require. 

Andrew Venn, who leads the expert asbestos team based in Thompsons Solicitors Newcastle office, said: “This is an extremely rare and devastating diagnosis, but sadly it stems from circumstances we hear all too often — workers recalling exposure to asbestos simply because they weren’t warned of the risks. 

“The compensation secured will help Mr Cook access treatment and support in the months and years ahead, providing him with a degree of security after what has been a very difficult time.” 

Mr Cook says he hopes his experience will encourage others who have been exposed to asbestos to come forward. 

“You never think that something you handled so long ago could make you ill all these years later,” he said. “My hope is that by telling my story, others are made aware of the help that is out there. My legal team was fantastic, and knowing I’ll be able to afford treatment if I need it has been a huge relief.”