The Most Common Asbestos Exposure Cancer: Pleural Mesothelioma
By Andrea Gressman
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is linked to asbestos inhalation. There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the three types. This type of asbestos cancer presents itself in the pleural sac, which is a thin lining that surrounds the lungs. When asbestos is breathed in, the tiny fibers become imbedded in the pleural sac, making it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract for breathing purposes.
Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75% of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. What makes this and other forms of mesothelioma so dangerous is the fact that it takes mesothelioma approximately 35 years to develop, meaning doctors often do not catch it until it is in its later stages. Another common occurrence is the misdiagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma. If you have experienced any asbestos inhalation, let your doctor know so he or she may properly diagnose the presence of mesothelioma. The misdiagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the reasons why so many asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits went unfiled.
Individuals exposed to asbestos products may breathe in the microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers then stick to the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. This thin membrane is also known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium is in charge of fluid secretion that promotes the expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing. Asbestos fibers are tiny and somewhat sharp, meaning they may easily penetrate the mesothelium and gain access to the pleural cavity. Eventually, the fibers will destroy the mesothelium, which may eventually lead to cancer.
Cancerous tumors can develop once the asbestos fibers have entered the pleural cavity. These tumors cause the pleural fluid to thicken, which makes breathing very difficult. Tumors may also constrict lung activity or put pressure on organs of the body or the ribcage, which may cause severe pain. Since the lungs recirculate oxygen through the blood, it is entirely possible for the cancer to spread to the lungs as well as to other area of the body via the body’s bloodstream.
Currently, it is unknown why the asbestos fibers are able to create a mutation of the mesothelium that forms into cancer. However, with more and more asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits cropping up, it gives doctors and scientists the ability to learn more. Currently, there are a number of mesothelioma lawsuits from victims who have suffered this asbestos cancer. Most of these individuals were subjected to asbestos without the proper protective gear and without any reduction in the amount of exposure they experienced. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
The treatment for mesothelioma is very expensive. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma you need to know your legal options. You may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in order to receive compensation to cover the medical expenses you or your loved one has incurred. Visit the Mesothelioma Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page immediately or you can call 1-800-481-5707 for your convenience as well. You can receive your free consultation from a mesothelioma lawsuit lawyer.
Updated November 27th, 2012
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
Suing for unpaid wages in California: Recover unpaid overtime, back pay and more
April 2, 2026 | Legal News
One thought on The Most Common Asbestos Exposure Cancer: Pleural Mesothelioma