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Mesothelioma Early Detection – Communicate Work History With Your Doctor

Posted on May 14th, 2010 by Elizabeth V. Heller

One of the most difficult parts of my job is the first meeting with someone who has been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. In some instances, by the time the family gets an attorney involved, they have come to grips with the diagnosis and its implications. But that is the rare case. I try to stay focused on my role as an attorney and keep my emotions in check but I am rarely successful. As the attorney, my “official” role is to get the critical information we need to evaluate the client’s work history and possible exposures to asbestos. That said, however, one of the most rewarding moments I’ve had representing the families of victims of this horrible disease is the two very recent occasions when I was told, in more or less words, that “I had become like a member of the family.” Suffice it to say that in the course of the representation, we wear many different hats.

I went to a first meeting with a mesothelioma patient on last Saturday night. It’s difficult seeing the patient and their families in such distress. This recent instance was particularly hard because our client’s disease was so advanced. Unfortunately, as a result, he is not strong enough physically or mentally to give a deposition. This will limit our ability to document his exposures to various asbestos containing products. As a result, the fact that the disease was detected so late will limit his potential recovery from the responsible parties.

One of the most important but overlooked tips I can share with you and your family is to make sure your doctor is aware of your complete work history. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure and every work place, even the summer job during high school, may be significant. If your doctor is made aware of exposure at oil refineries, power plants or other likely asbestos sites, the doctor is more likely to monitor your condition more closely and may be able to diagnose sooner rather than later. The patient I met with last Saturday night had a work history very consistent with asbestos exposure and if the doctor had known that, the diagnosis may have been made much sooner.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma. So unlike some medical conditions, early detection won’t provide a cure but early detection can often result in a longer life expectancy. And we all know every second counts.

Please contact Liz Heller to discuss this or any other legal issue facing you or your family.