Asbestos Disease - Mesothelioma

It is medically accepted that asbestos causes various types of serious diseases, including a very rare cancer of the pleura (lining) of the lung or abdomen, called mesothelioma; cancer of the lung and asbestosis, which is a fibrosis or scarring of the lining of the lungs. Also associated with asbestos exposure are pleural changes, which may or may not cause impairment, depending upon its severity.

There is also a distinct connection between asbestos exposure and cancers of the digestive tract such as esophageal, laryngeal, stomach, and colon-rectum, cancers. The manufacturers of asbestos products strongly challenge association of these diseases with exposure to asbestos.

The average latency period for asbestos related disease is typically fifteen to twenty years from the first exposure, although, sometimes diseases may develop in shorter or longer time frames. Often a person may contract more than one form of disease. Proving that you suffer from an asbestos related disease is one component of your asbestos case.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mesothelioma

Q: What is Mesothelioma?

A: Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute describes Mesothelioma as a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).

Q: How do you get Mesothelioma?

A: Mesothelioma usually results from asbestos exposure at work. Employees with prolonged exposure over an extended period of time face the highest risk, but cases of Mesothelioma have been documented after minimal exposure as well. Workplaces where shingles, flooring materials, cement, brake linings, textiles, and insulation containing asbestos pose the greatest risk. Since they are almost invisible, asbestos particles may be inhaled or swallowed, causing serious health problems.

Q: How will I know if I have Mesothelioma?

A: Symptoms of Mesothelioma include pain and swelling, shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, blood clots, anemia, and fever. While doctors may suspect Mesothelioma in a particular case, they need a tissue sample to give a final diagnosis. If you think you may have Mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Q: How long after exposure does Mesothelioma occur?

A: Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure. Some workers exposed in the mid-20^th century are just now being diagnosed with Mesothelioma. The disease takes a long time to develop, which can make it difficult to identify the source of the exposure.

Q: Does smoking increase my risk of developing Mesothelioma?

A: Although smoking does not appear to increase the risk of Mesothelioma, but smoking does appear to increase the risk of lung cancer in general.

Q: Am I still at risk if I work in a related industry?

A: Currently, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits on acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace, and employees who work with asbestos take safety precautions and wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

Q: Is my family at risk?

A: There is some evidence that family members of asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing Mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust on the worker. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are generally required to shower and change clothes before leaving work.

Q: How is Mesothelioma treated?

A: Treatment options depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination. Clinical trials are underway to develop new and better methods of treatment.

Q: What are my legal rights if I have developed Mesothelioma?

A: If you believe you have been injured as a result of asbestos exposure, either on the job or otherwise, an experienced attorney can advise you on whether you may be able to bring a lawsuit to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other losses.

Q: I've read in the paper that many others are suffering from Mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. Can we pursue our claims together, as a group?

A: You and other people with Mesothelioma may be able to bring a single lawsuit and recover as a group in a class action. A court will determine whether there are enough people with sufficiently similar claims in a proceeding called "class certification," and class members will share the verdict. If you are asked to join a class action, you may want to consult an attorney to see if you would be better off litigating on your own.