Mesothelioma in Women: A Rise in Diagnoses Linked to Asbestos

Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer, is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Historically, asbestos exposure has been associated with industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, where men were the majority of the workforce. 

However, an alarming and increasing number of women have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma, often due to secondhand exposure from family members who worked with asbestos-containing materials or through exposure to older construction with asbestos. 

Now women account for approximately 20% to 25% of all new cases.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the protective lining covering the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other organs. There are three primary types:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and is the most common form, accounting for about 75% of cases.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and is the second most common form.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma: Affects the lining around the heart and is exceedingly rare.

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and other industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium and, over time, lead to cancer development. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years for symptoms to appear, making early detection challenging.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

There is no precise amount of asbestos exposure that guarantees someone will develop mesothelioma—especially since even brief or minimal exposure to asbestos fibers can be dangerous. However, the risk of developing mesothelioma generally increases with the duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos, as well as the type and condition of the asbestos-containing material.

Key factors that affect mesothelioma risk include:

• Cumulative Exposure: While prolonged and repeated exposure poses the highest risk, cases have been documented where individuals developed mesothelioma after minimal exposure.
• Type of Asbestos: Some forms of asbestos (like crocidolite) are considered more dangerous than others due to their fiber shape and how they interact with lung tissue.
• Fiber Size and Shape: Long, thin asbestos fibers are more likely to reach and lodge in the pleura (lining of the lungs), which increases the risk of mesothelioma.
• Latency Period: Mesothelioma has a long latency period, typically developing 20-60 years after exposure, which means even a single exposure decades prior could potentially lead to the disease.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should discuss it with their healthcare provider, especially if they experience respiratory symptoms, and may want to contact an attorney if diagnosed.

How Do Women Develop Mesothelioma?

Women typically develop mesothelioma due to different exposure pathways than men. Key exposure routes include:

Secondary or Take-Home Exposure

Many women who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos secondhand. In the mid-20th century, it was common for men working in high-risk industries to bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, and tools. Family members, particularly women who washed or handled these work clothes, unknowingly inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers.

Environmental Exposure

Women living near asbestos mines, factories, or construction sites may have been exposed to asbestos fibers released into the air. Environmental exposure is a risk factor for women living in areas where asbestos use was prevalent or in homes built with asbestos-containing materials.

Occupational Exposure

While not as common, some women worked in environments where asbestos was present, such as schools, hospitals, or offices located in buildings constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Teachers, nurses, and administrative professionals may have been exposed if asbestos-containing building materials degraded over time or during renovations.

Household Products

Asbestos was historically used in household products such as hair dryers, cosmetics, and talcum powder. Talcum powder, often used in cosmetics, has been linked to asbestos contamination, exposing many women to asbestos without their knowledge.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Women?

Recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma is challenging due to its long latency period and symptoms that mimic other less severe conditions. Symptoms vary depending on the type:

• Pleural Mesothelioma: Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and fluid buildup around the heart.

Because symptoms often resemble other illnesses, mesothelioma in women may go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until the disease reaches an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mesothelioma in Women

Diagnosing mesothelioma generally involves imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, followed by biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Women facing a diagnosis of mesothelioma often endure emotional and physical challenges, given the aggressive nature of the disease and limited treatment options.

Treatment may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Recently, advancements in immunotherapy and targeted treatments have provided new options, though the prognosis for mesothelioma remains poor, especially in advanced stages. Early detection is key to improving outcomes, but due to the delayed onset of symptoms, this is often challenging.

Legal Options for Women Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

For women diagnosed with mesothelioma, pursuing legal action may provide financial relief to cover medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering. Many asbestos-related companies knew about the risks but failed to protect workers and consumers, but you can fight to hold them accountable and recover the compensation you and your family deserve. Legal options include:

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Women diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a personal injury lawsuit against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. This lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If a woman passes away from mesothelioma, her family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim compensates the family for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the deceased’s pain and suffering.

Asbestos Trust Funds

As many asbestos companies declared bankruptcy to avoid litigation, they were required to establish trust funds to compensate victims. Women diagnosed with mesothelioma can file claims with these asbestos trust funds to seek financial compensation without going through a lawsuit.

VA Benefits for Military Spouses

Women who were married to veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. If a veteran's asbestos exposure led to mesothelioma, their spouse may receive dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) from the VA.

Unique Legal Challenges Faced by Women with Mesothelioma

Women with mesothelioma often face distinct legal challenges, especially when exposure sources differ from those traditionally seen in men. These challenges include:

• Identifying Exposure Sources: Women may have more difficulty pinpointing the exact cause of exposure, especially in cases of secondary or environmental exposure. This can make it harder to establish liability and build a strong case.
• Compensation Disparities: Due to a historical focus on male-dominated occupational exposure, women’s cases may be overlooked or undervalued in legal systems that associate asbestos exposure with certain industries.
• Medical Misdiagnosis: Women’s mesothelioma cases are often misdiagnosed as other illnesses, leading to delays in diagnosis and legal action. Working with an experienced attorney can help overcome these challenges by thoroughly investigating all possible sources of exposure and ensuring that the unique circumstances of each woman’s case are taken into account.

Why Should Women Work With an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney?

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Consulting with an experienced mesothelioma attorney at Morgan & Morgan can provide significant advantages to your personal injury claim. 

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys specializing in asbestos cases understand the complexities of asbestos exposure, and they can help identify responsible parties and navigate the legal channels to pursue compensation. They can also advise you on filing claims with asbestos trust funds, handling VA benefits, and managing the intricacies of mesothelioma litigation, ensuring you and your family receive the financial support you need and deserve.

At Morgan & Morgan, we recognize the unique challenges that women with mesothelioma face. Our attorneys have decades of experience in asbestos litigation, advocating for justice on behalf of clients who have suffered due to asbestos exposure. We provide compassionate support and a commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients to alleviate the burden of medical expenses and ensure peace of mind for families. 

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state, we have attorneys that also understand your local state laws and statutes. Plus, you won’t need to worry about legal expenses. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. That’s right; to get started, the Fee Is Free™.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. We will investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve. With Morgan & Morgan, you’re not just a client—you’re family, and we’re here to fight for you.

If you’re ready to take your first step toward justice, you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.