What Is Mesothelioma? Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Options
- Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure
- The disease has a long latency period — symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure
- Roughly 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States every year
- Veterans, shipyard workers, construction workers, and industrial employees face the highest risk
- Victims may be eligible for significant financial compensation through lawsuits and trust fund claims
Understanding Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and serious cancer that affects the mesothelium — the thin protective lining that surrounds most of the body's internal organs. The mesothelium covers the lungs (pleura), the abdomen (peritoneum), the heart (pericardium), and the testes. When cancer develops in these tissues, it is called mesothelioma.
Unlike most cancers, mesothelioma has one dominant, well-established cause: exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic fibers that were widely used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and many other industries throughout the 20th century. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and once inside the body, they can become permanently lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Over time — often many decades — these embedded fibers cause chronic inflammation and cellular changes that lead to cancerous tumors. The long gap between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma means many patients are diagnosed in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s, long after their working years are over.
How Common Is Mesothelioma?
Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, according to the American Cancer Society. While this number is relatively small compared to other cancers, the disease is notable for its severity and the fact that it is almost entirely preventable — it results almost exclusively from man-made exposure to a hazardous substance that was used widely despite industry knowledge of its dangers.
The United States has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world due to its heavy industrial use of asbestos throughout the mid-20th century. States with the most cases include California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio — all states with significant shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, and construction industries.
Men are affected at a much higher rate than women because most occupational asbestos exposure occurred in male-dominated industries. However, women who were exposed through a spouse or family member who brought asbestos fibers home on their work clothes — a phenomenon known as "secondary" or "take-home" exposure — have also developed mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
One of the most challenging aspects of mesothelioma is that its symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other, less serious conditions. This means many patients are not diagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the lungs) is the most common form and typically causes:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Persistent chest pain or pain in the lower back or side
- A chronic dry or raspy cough
- Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and general weakness
Peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the abdominal lining) typically causes:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
- Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
- Weight loss
Because these symptoms often appear gradually and mimic other common conditions like pneumonia or irritable bowel syndrome, getting an accurate diagnosis requires specific tests and a physician experienced with mesothelioma.
Speak with a Mesothelioma Attorney Today
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may entitle you to significant financial compensation. Most attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Find an Attorney in Your StateDiagnosing Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma typically involves several steps. Because the disease is rare, it is important to see a physician who has experience with asbestos-related diseases. The diagnostic process generally includes:
Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will ask about your work history, any known asbestos exposure, and the duration and intensity of symptoms. This history is critical because it helps establish the link to asbestos.
Imaging tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can reveal pleural thickening, fluid accumulation, and masses that may suggest mesothelioma.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is required to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. This may involve a needle biopsy, thoracoscopy (for pleural mesothelioma), or laparoscopy (for peritoneal mesothelioma).
Pathology analysis: The tissue sample is examined by a pathologist. Because mesothelioma cells can resemble other types of cancer, specialized staining techniques and sometimes a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist are recommended.
Your Legal Rights After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to understand that you may have legal rights to financial compensation. The companies that manufactured, distributed, and installed asbestos-containing products knew for decades that asbestos was dangerous. Despite this knowledge, they continued to sell and use these products, putting millions of workers and their families at risk.
There are several legal avenues available to mesothelioma victims and their families:
Personal injury lawsuits: If you are alive and diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. These lawsuits can result in settlements or jury verdicts that compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Wrongful death lawsuits: If a family member has died from mesothelioma, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for their loss.
Asbestos trust fund claims: Many asbestos companies went bankrupt under the weight of litigation and were required to establish trust funds to compensate future victims. More than 60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold over $30 billion in combined assets. Filing a trust fund claim is separate from a lawsuit and can often be done more quickly. Learn more about trust fund claims →
VA benefits for veterans: Military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service may be eligible for VA disability benefits and VA healthcare in addition to pursuing legal claims. Learn more about veterans' options →
Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and no legal costs unless your attorney wins compensation for you. This arrangement makes it possible for anyone — regardless of financial situation — to pursue justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium — the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the mesothelium and cause cellular damage that eventually leads to cancer, typically 20–50 years after exposure.
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms often don't appear until the disease has progressed to a later stage.
The latency period for mesothelioma is typically 20 to 50 years. This means many people aren't diagnosed until decades after their original asbestos exposure, often not until retirement age or later.
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos at work, in the military, or through a family member's work clothes, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim. Most attorneys handle these cases on contingency — no fee unless they win your case.