Frequently Asked Questions

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral once used extensively in homes, businesses, and industrial trades. It was prized for its insulating and fire-resistant properties.

Why is asbestos a health problem?

Asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air. When inhaled these fibers cause a variety of diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Regulation of asbestos use began in the early 1970s and it is now banned throughout the world.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the mesothelium, a thin membrane that covers and protects the lungs, heart, and other internal organs.

How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Microscopic asbestos fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed. Once inside the body, they do not break down. They lodge in areas of the body and typically undetected for decades until symptoms of disease become apparent. This time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms is called a latency period. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 40 years.

How common is mesothelioma?

A relatively rare disease, mesothelioma is diagnosed in about 2,000 people in the U.S. each year.

Who gets mesothelioma?

The greatest risk factor for mesothelioma is past exposure to asbestos. Men are far more likely than women to develop mesothelioma. The risk increases with age. Most people with mesothelioma are 65 or older; however people can develop the disease at any age.

What are the types of mesothelioma?

The most common form of the disease is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the pleura, the lining of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which lines the organs of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. This is a rare form of the disease.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms vary by the type of disease. Pleural (Lung) Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, painful breathing, chest pain under the rib cage, pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest, unexplained weight loss, dry (nonproductive) cough, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, fever, sweating, tiredness, swelling of the face and arms, and muscle weakness. Peritoneal (Abdominal) Mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

What is the prognosis?

Sadly, mesothelioma is always fatal. However, treatments can extend life expectancy.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are used to treat mesothelioma. To learn more about specific treatments, please visit our Mesothelioma Prognosis and Treatment page.

Why do I need a lawyer?

People with mesothelioma caused by asbestos have a legal right to collect financial compensation from those who caused their disease. Every year, the mesothelioma litigation attorneys of Savinis, D'Amico & Kane help mesothelioma patients or their survivors receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and more.

How can I afford a lawyer?

It doesn't cost anything to hire a mesothelioma attorney from Savinis, D'Amico & Kane. We represent clients on a contingency basis. That means we don't get paid unless you do. Our fee is a percentage of the money we win for you.

Will I have to go to court?

Most mesothelioma cases settle outside of court. If your case does go to trial, we will come to your home or a convenient location near you to obtain your testimony.

To arrange a free consultation and case evaluation, contact Savinis, D'Amico & Kane today.

From our offices in Pittsburgh, our attorneys represent people with asbestos-related diseases throughout Western Pennsylvania and across the nation.