Common Mesothelioma Misconceptions

Mesothelioma misconceptions are common and damaging. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, only affecting a few thousand Americans per year. Although science continues to progress, there is still less information available for mesothelioma than for more common cancers, leading to misinformation.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on seasoned mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Myth 1: Smoking Causes Mesothelioma

Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. Smokers are also not at any higher risk of developing mesothelioma when compared to non-smokers.

However, lung cancer risk is greater for smokers exposed to asbestos. This is because smoking weakens the lungs, allowing asbestos to cause lung damage more easily.

Myth 2: Only Older People Get Mesothelioma

Although it’s true that older adults develop mesothelioma more than any other age group, the disease, in general, is usually not detected until 30 years or more after asbestos exposure. The average age of mesothelioma diagnosis is over 60.

People of all ages, including children, can get mesothelioma. Children are usually diagnosed much earlier because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. The most common way they get mesothelioma is through secondary exposure.

In rare instances, children can get mesothelioma from old school buildings built using asbestos. They can also be exposed to asbestos by playing in attics with asbestos-containing insulation or around old, abandoned buildings built with asbestos.

Myth 3: Mesothelioma Is Contagious

Mesothelioma has never been nor will ever be contagious. The only instance that even remotely resembles mesothelioma being contagious is secondary exposure from a family member who was exposed to asbestos while working around it.

Myth 4: Mesothelioma Is Like Other Cancers

Mesothelioma is rare and also unusual in several ways. Many cancers either have no known causes or are thought to be largely genetic. Mesothelioma has one known cause, which is asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma also differs from many cancers in that it develops as many small nodules in mesothelial tissue rather than large tumors. This makes it more difficult to treat.

Myth 5: Mesothelioma Is the Only Disease Caused by Asbestos

Asbestos can cause several illnesses, including non-malignant diseases and other types of cancers. Non-cancerous illnesses asbestos can cause or contribute to include:

• Pleural thickening
• Pleural plaques
• Asbestosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

Asbestos can also cause or contribute to lung cancer. It has been found to be associated with some cases of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Myth 6: You Must Have Prolonged Exposure to Asbestos to Get Mesothelioma

In most cases, mesothelioma results from long-term, prolonged exposure to asbestos.

However, according to recent medical studies, even limited exposure for a short amount of time can result in mesothelioma. Although rare, it can happen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Myth 7: Only People Who Worked with Asbestos Get Mesothelioma

Occupational asbestos exposure is the leading but not only cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once used heavily in many industries, such as manufacturing and construction. This led to many cases of mesothelioma in men who worked in those jobs.

Asbestos exposure can also occur in other settings:

• Natural deposits of asbestos can cause exposure when disturbed, for instance, by a natural disaster or mining.
• Some people are exposed to asbestos after living near industrial workplaces that used asbestos.
• Secondhand exposure occurs when someone who works with asbestos inadvertently brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing family members.

Myth 8: If I Was Exposed to Asbestos, I Will Get Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure increases your risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma, but it does not guarantee you will get this cancer. In fact, most people exposed to asbestos never get mesothelioma. Even among asbestos workers, mesothelioma is rare.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. If you worked with or around asbestos, you are at risk for mesothelioma and other illnesses. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, risk factors, and health screenings.

Myth 9: Mesothelioma Is Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is commonly confused with lung cancer. Even physicians and oncologists sometimes misdiagnose mesothelioma as lung cancer.

Although the most common form of this cancer, called pleural mesothelioma, develops around the lungs, mesothelioma is not lung cancer. This is a common myth and mistake because pleural mesothelioma develops along the lining of the lungs, called the pleura.

Another reason for the confusion is how the cancer spreads. Because the pleural tissue is right next to the lungs, tumors often spread to the lungs first. When a patient is diagnosed, they may already have tumors in the lungs, even though the cancer started in the pleura.

Several other types of mesothelioma affect other parts of the body, such as ovarian, peritoneal, testicular, and laryngeal mesothelioma.

Myth 10: Only Men Get Mesothelioma

This myth started because most workers in factories, plants, oil refineries, and ships where prolonged exposure to asbestos occurred were men.

Even though men are diagnosed four times more often, women do get mesothelioma. In fact, one form of mesothelioma is more common in women: peritoneal mesothelioma. This is the form of mesothelioma that develops in the abdomen.

Myth 11: Mesothelioma Is Untreatable

While it’s true that there is no cure yet, people can still go on to live successful lives while battling mesothelioma. With a vast array of treatment options that keep improving as science and technology progresses, victims live longer with a better quality of life.

Every case of mesothelioma is unique, and the outcome greatly depends on how advanced the stage of the disease is, how soon the symptoms of mesothelioma start to surface, and how effective the treatment works on each patient.

Myth 12: Asbestos is Now Banned in the U.S.

Asbestos is used much less frequently than in the past, but asbestos is not completely banned in the U.S. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began banning asbestos products in the 1970s. The first ban was spray-on asbestos insulation and fireproofing in 1973.

Several additional rules followed, and in 1989, the EPA issued a final rule that would ban nearly all asbestos products. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ban in 1991. Today, most uses of asbestos are banned, but it is not totally outlawed.

One of the last remaining uses of asbestos is in chlor-alkali manufacturing plants and some other chemical plants. The EPA is currently working on a ban on this usage. Asbestos can also be found in aftermarket automotive parts and some imported products.

In addition to the uses that are still legal, asbestos lingers in older buildings. It was used so heavily in construction and industry that asbestos materials have never been completely abated.

If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on qualified asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.