Mesothelioma FAQ's

This FAQ section is intended only for informational use. Therefore, this information is not to be taken in any way as legal advice, but merely to educate you somewhat on the very basic tenets of this complicated and area of the law. Please contact a licensed attorney within your jurisdiction for both legal and procedural advice.

What is Mesothelioma?

The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum).

How do you get Mesothelioma?

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it.

How much exposure does it take to get the disease?

An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later.

How long does it take after exposure for the disease to show up?

People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological examination. Tissue is removed, put under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis, and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid build-up or pleural effusions, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an x-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

• Thoracoscopy
  For pleural mesothelioma the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital with a local anesthetic or painkiller.

  If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.

• Peritoneoscopy
  For peritoneal mesothelioma the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.

  If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.

• Biopsy
  If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.

  NOTE: Results based on analysis of fluid are not very reliable. Analysis of tissue is much more reliable. Mesothelioma is a very complicated diagnosis. Many hospitals send the pathology off to experts. For a list of expert pathologists, call the MW toll-free at 1-877-367-6376 or send e-mail at the bottom of this page.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

Like most cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.

Is there any promising research or are there promising drugs for mesothelioma?

Research is being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United States. There are no research results, however, that conclusively offer a cure to the disease.