Asbestos Diseases

There are a number of asbestos related diseases associated with asbestos exposure:

• Malignant mesothelioma
• Asbestos lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Diffuse pleural thickening

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affecting the mesothelial tissue lining of three large body cavities; the pleura (lung cavity), the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (heart sac). A case of malignant mesothelioma is typed in accordance with the affected mesothelial tissue:

• Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura)
• Peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the peritoneum)
• Pericardial mesothelioma (cancer of the pericardium)

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious asbestos-related disease because it is both fatal and incurable.

Asbestos lung cancer is a type of lung cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos lung cancer is often confused with pleural mesothelioma because they both result from asbestos exposure and are in close proximity of one-another. Asbestos cancer originating in the lung is called primary asbestos lung cancer. Asbestos cancer originating elsewhere in the body and spreading to the lungs is called secondary asbestos lung cancer.

Smokers who are exposed to asbestos fibers are more likely to develop asbestos lung cancer than non-smokers.

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the parenchymal tissue of the lungs. Caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers, asbestosis sufferers are faced with a severe shortness of breath (dyspnea) and are at an increased risk of developing a more serious asbestos-related disease like malignant mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer. Although asbestosis is not directly fatal, it can severely limit a sufferer’s total lung capacity and lead to heart failure.

Diffuse pleural thickening is a disease not only associated with asbestos exposure, but a variety of other ailments that include tuberculosis, connective tissue diseases and haemothorax (blood accumulation in pleural space). This disease causes functional impairment of the lungs by decreasing lung volumes and gas exchange.

Diffuse pleural thickening resulting from asbestos exposure rarely calcifies and is ill-defined and irregular from all angles. A CT scan is a more effective imagery tool for detecting diffuse pleural thickening than chest radiography.

Paul & Hanley LLP has an outstanding track record of success, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any asbestos related disease from asbestos exposure we can help you file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. We also handle car injury cases, wrongful death cases, product defect cases, premises liability cases, and work related injury cases. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get just financial compensation for your injuries.



    * More than 25 years of experience in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation.

    * More than 1 billion dollars in settlements.

    * Over 500 of our clients have recovered in excess of 1 million dollars.



Call us today at 800.281.9804 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer.