Between Mesothelioma Prevention and Compensation

Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after the exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness A persistent cough that gets worse over time Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs Pain or tightening in the chest Difficulty swallowing Swelling of the neck or face Loss of appetite Weight loss Fatigue or anemia A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.


The chest x-ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. Although chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure . A lung biopsy, which detects microscopic asbestos fibers in pieces of lung tissue removed by surgery, is the most reliable test to confirm exposure to asbestos . A bronchoscopy is a less invasive test than a biopsy and detects asbestos fibers in material that is rinsed out of the lungs . It is important to note that these procedures cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether disease will develop. Asbestos fibers can also be detected in urine, mucus, and feces, but these tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in an individual’s lungs .

There are three main histological subtypes of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatous, and biphasic. Epithelioid and biphasic mesothelioma make up approximately 75-95% of mesotheliomas and have been well characterized histologically, whereas sarcomatous mesothelioma has not been studied extensively. Most mesotheliomas express high levels of cytokeratin 5 regardless of subtype.[11]

The author thanks Kevan Willey for critical appraisal of the manuscript and language corrections. The author would like to acknowledge the Heads of the Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA), Australia, for funding the open access publication of this special issue.

Exposure to asbestos fibers has been recognized as an occupational health hazard since the early 20th century. Numerous epidemiological studies have associated occupational exposure to asbestos with the development of pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis, carcinoma of the lung and larynx, gastrointestinal tumors, and diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.[38]

In 2011 the first version of the guideline on diagnostics and compensation of asbestos-related diseases was issued (currently it is being updated). Figure 2 shows the recommended stepwise diagnostic approaches with regard to asbestosis and asbestos-related pleural plaques or fibrosis. Histopathological confirmation is needed for suspected asbestos-related malignancies and for the resolution of differential diagnoses but not for the diagnosis of non-malignant asbestos-related disorders. In any case the diagnosis is based on a detailed exposure assessment, occupational and medical case history, an appropriate latency, the clinical picture and symptoms, and radiological and lung physiology findings.

Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time (1, 2).

We urge those seeking more mesothelioma information to complete the brief form on this page. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance will rush you a comprehensive mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information packet. In our packet you’ll find information about cutting-edge treatments, leading mesothelioma cancer center programs, and legal options you may have if you were exposed to asbestos. Act now and find out more today!