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Mesothelioma is generally referred to as malignant mesothelioma.  It is a carcinoma or cancer of the lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).   Asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of mesothelioma in North America, and occurrence may be anywhere from 10 to 40 or more years after the first exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma symptoms involve pain - usually in the back, chest or abdomen, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss. The shortness of breath may be felt to be sudden.  Pleural effusion occurs as cell fluids collect between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. Chest x-rays generally show a haziness on one or both sides of the chest or a cloudy area may conceal an entire lung from view. 

Thoracentesis (draining of this fluid) is an accepted treatment for this condition as it enables the patient to breathe normally on a temporary basis.  Fluid will frequently build up again, and require the area to be re-drained. Other treatment options for those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and some experimental vaccine therapies.

The patient and the doctor must weigh the choices of treatment carefully.  Treatment of choice may involve a combination of these options.  Although more cases of survival are documented now, historically, the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma was almost always fatal.  The goal of treatment must be to add valuable time to the victim's life or to make the patient more comfortable. The side effects and trauma associated with the treatments must be carefully weighed against the benefits, in consultation with your doctor.

Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is extremely difficult for many reasons.  A tissue sample from a biopsy viewed with an electron microscope, provides a definitive diagnosis when results are positive.  A doctor, however, needs a working diagnosis in order to do the biopsy.  As malignant mesothelioma is rare, it does not come readily to mind.  Malignant mesothelioma often has the appearance of an adenocarcinoma and is misdiagnosed and often mistreated for this other type of cancer. Most importantly, this deadly disease may be developed years after an extremely low exposure to asbestos, which may not be remembered by the patient when providing medical history.  Exposure may be as simple as living near a site involved with asbestos products or handling contaminated clothing or buying a used car contaminated by an asbestos worker.

Low exposures to asbestos can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma.   This is unusual.  Carcinogens (cancer causing agents) are normally shown to be more dangerous as length or dosage of exposure increases.

There are two things that you can do if exposed to asbestos.

• Contact a physician to evaluate your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, and to document your exposure to asbestos.  Delay in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal.
• Contact a personal injury attorney who can counsel you in this complex legal situation.  Your situation must be evaluated carefully in order to protect your rights fully.  Deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits for an asbestos-related disease are strict and the clock begins ticking as soon as you are aware of the exposure.  Several areas of personal injury law may apply to your case, such as:
  • Product Liability: Your exposure to asbestos may have been due to a faulty or defective product such as brake linings, or asbestos lined gloves.  Your asbestos attorney can evaluate your legal rights and advise you of possible compensation.
  • Professional Malpractice:  Medical malpractice or negligence, leading to delay in treatment, incorrect treatment or missed diagnosis can be especially lethal in an asbestos related disease.  Your lawyer can protect your rights and represent your interests.
  • Workers Compensation: Your asbestos exposure may have been job-related or happened on the job.  Even though the company that you worked for when exposed to the asbestos has filed for bankruptcy or has been bought by another company, you may still be entitled to compensation.  Many of these laws are special federal laws relating to asbestos.
  • Wrongful death: Your family member may have died from an asbestos-related disease. Seek legal counsel before the statute of limitations becomes an issue.

Special Note:  Prior to accepting an insurance settlement in a case of asbestos exposure or disease, it is wise to speak with a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your situation and to ensure that your interests are protected.  Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations and most will only be paid if you win your case and receive a judgment.   Most frequently, personal injury attorneys will receive a percentage of the settlement awarded to you.  Legal advice can save you time, trouble and money and can insure that you are treated fairly.

Please see our  Asbestos web site for more information on exposure to asbestos and associated risks.