May 30, 2024

Is Mesothelioma Contagious?

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Asbestos
Cancer
Mesothelioma
Personal Injury

Is Mesothelioma Contagious?

If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may have wondered, “Is mesothelioma contagious?” Unlike common illnesses like a cold or influenza, mesothelioma cannot travel from person to person. However, the source of mesothelioma — a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos — can affect the people around you in ways you might not have realized, leading to serious health problems.

As a Michigan law firm with extensive experience representing local residents with asbestos-related diseases, Serling & Abramson, P.C. knows the intricacies of litigating mesothelioma cases. We have also represented family members of people who were exposed to asbestos and can advise you if your loved ones have been diagnosed with the same illness. Contact us for a free review of your case today.

How Mesothelioma Starts

To learn the answer to “Is mesothelioma contagious?” it helps to know a little about this illness. Mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive form of cancer that forms on the mesothelium, the protective lining covering the lungs, abdomen, and other organs. Scientists agree that the only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. This typically occurs in a workplace setting where asbestos has been used as insulation, a flame retardant, in cement, or other applications. Smoking does not cause mesothelioma.

Common Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma presents with various symptoms depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Buildup of fluid in the lungs or abdomen (pleural effusion)
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Chest pain, especially after exertion
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Abdominal pain
  • Painful coughing
  • Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest or abdomen

Mesothelioma can also take a long time to develop — usually between 20 and 50 years from the first asbestos exposure to diagnosis, which is why it is still frequently diagnosed to this day. Unlike lung cancer caused by smoking, the risk of mesothelioma does not reduce over time after the exposure stops.

The Dangers of Secondary Exposure

Most people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos on the job, sometimes only in small quantities. This is called “occupational exposure.” However, there are many documented cases of family members who developed mesothelioma after spending time in close contact with a family member who worked near asbestos. These family members inhaled stray asbestos fibers that stuck to the family member’s hair or clothing at work and were then brought back after their work day ended. This is known as “secondary exposure.”

People at risk include:

  • Spouses and children who sorted and washed clothes with asbestos dust on them — in fact, secondary exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma in women
  • Family members who rode in a car with someone who had asbestos on their clothes
  • Someone who sat on the same furniture as a person wearing asbestos-contaminated clothes
  • Even someone in the service industry could be exposed: A barber or hairdresser touching hair with asbestos fibers in it, for example

High-Risk Locations for Secondary Exposure

Family members of people with jobs in these locations are likely at the highest risk of secondary exposure:

  • Foundries
  • Plastics
  • Utilities
  • Refineries
  • Construction
  • Steel mills
  • Automotive
  • Chemical
  • Maritime/shipyards
  • Railroads

Sometimes employees in these industries don’t realize that they’ve been exposed to asbestos and often wear their work clothes at home and while interacting with their family. Even if they’re not wondering “Is mesothelioma contagious?” they are unaware of the danger they pose to the people around them.

Secondary Exposure and Pleural Mesothelioma

Researchers have discovered that family members of workers in high-risk jobs have a higher risk of developing pleural mesothelioma compared to the average person. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, closely resembles lung cancer but forms in the protective membrane between the lungs and chest wall.

The Statute of Limitations

There is a limited amount of time for people with mesothelioma to pursue damages, including secondary exposure cases. Don’t let the clock run out — contact us for a review of your case free of charge. We can help you get financial restitution for your losses and suffering, including money for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering

Trust Experts Who Know the Territory

If you’re still wondering, “Is mesothelioma contagious?” the answer is “no.” However, the link between secondary exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is clear and well-established.

If you or a loved one think you’ve been harmed by secondary exposure to asbestos, there are many reasons to contact Serling & Abramson, P.C.:

  • We have 50+ years of experience in this specialized area of law
  • We don’t hand cases off to attorneys in other states
  • We’re aware of the statute of limitations for asbestos-related cases and act with urgency
  • We will review your case free of charge

Let us get to the bottom of where your secondary exposure happened and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily be inhaled or ingested, leading to severe health risks. Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, develop after prolonged exposure to asbestos. This exposure often occurs in occupational settings like construction sites, asbestos mines, and manufacturing plants where asbestos-containing products are used.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are several types of mesothelioma, each affecting different parts of the body:

  • Pleural Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and is the most common type.
  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
  • Pericardial Mesothelioma: Affects the lining around the heart (pericardium).
  • Testicular Mesothelioma: Rarely affects the lining around the testicles (tunica vaginalis).

Health Risks and Symptoms

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are significant. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Persistent cough
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

These symptoms often appear decades after the initial exposure, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

The diagnosis of mesothelioma involves several steps:

  1. Medical History: Reviewing the patient’s history of asbestos exposure.
  2. Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to detect abnormalities.
  3. Biopsy: Tissue samples taken from affected areas to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.
  4. Lung Function Tests: Assessing how well the lungs are working.

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating, but early detection and treatment can improve the quality of life and life expectancy.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma

Several treatment options are available for mesothelioma, depending on the type and stage of cancer:

  • Surgery: Removing the tumor or affected areas to slow the disease’s progression.
  • Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
  • Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
  • Clinical Trials: Exploring new and experimental treatments.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s needs, considering their health, the type of mesothelioma, and the cancer stage.

The Importance of Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, seeking legal representation is crucial. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process, file claims, and secure financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Serling & Abramson, P.C. has extensive experience handling mesothelioma cases and can provide the expertise needed to pursue justice.

Financial Compensation and Legal Options

Victims of asbestos exposure have several legal options to seek compensation:

  • Personal Injury Lawsuits: Filing a lawsuit against the companies responsible for the asbestos exposure.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: Filed by the family members of deceased victims to seek compensation for their loss.
  • Asbestos Trust Funds: Established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims.
  • Class Action Lawsuits: Involving multiple plaintiffs against one or more defendants.

Pursuing legal action can provide financial security and hold negligent companies accountable for their actions.

The Role of Asbestos Trust Funds

Asbestos trust funds are set up by companies that have gone bankrupt due to asbestos-related liabilities. These funds are designed to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. Filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund can provide financial assistance for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages related to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma is not contagious, but the dangers of asbestos exposure are very real. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for those affected by this aggressive cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, seeking legal representation from experienced attorneys like Serling & Abramson, P.C. can help you secure the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact Serling & Abramson, P.C. today for a free review of your case and take the first step toward justice and financial security.