Mesothelioma Facts

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers the lungs and most other bodily organs. About three-quarters of mesothelioma cases are asbestos-related. Inhalation of small asbestos particles into the lungs can occur in places where insulation or flooring materials that contain asbestos are used. Mesothelioma lawsuits typically revolve around negligent workplace exposure to asbestos-bearing products.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Asbestos is generally not something that causes an immediate physical reaction. Mesothelioma symptoms caused by asbestos exposure will sometimes occur 20 to 50 years after exposure. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

chest/abdominalpain

shortness of breath/wheezing/cough

pleural effusion/fluid around the lung

blood clotting problems

If you display any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. Mesothelioma lawyers should be consulted only if your doctor diagnoses the condition as asbestos-related.

Where might asbestos exposure have occurred?

Most asbestos lawsuits involve known workplace exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant fibrous mineral used in thousands of products, including insulation, brake linings, cement, and textiles. Exposure to asbestos dust poses a particular risk. This might occur in buildings constructed with or housing asbestos-bearing materials, or in manufacturing environments where such products are made.

How common is mesothelioma?

The attention given to mesothelioma lawsuits and the number of ads run by mesothelioma lawyers can be misleading. It is one of the rarer forms of cancer, with about 2,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S.. Risk increases with age, which could be why the number of mesothelioma cases has increased over the past 20 years. Workers were more often exposed to asbestos earlier in the mid-20th century than now. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set limits for acceptable levels of workplace asbestos exposure.

More information on asbestos