Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Hiring the right mesothelioma lawyers can make a massive difference in the compensation received, and the time it takes to win your case.
You've Been Diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma. Now What?
A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma — whether in the lungs or abdomen — is overwhelming. It’s not just the shock of hearing the word “cancer,” but the flood of questions that follow. What happens next? How long do I have? Where should I turn?
The truth is, while mesothelioma is considered terminal, there are treatments that can extend life and improve quality of living. The key is care from a multidisciplinary cancer center, where surgeons, oncologists, and specialists work together on a plan tailored to you — not a generic template.
Our role is to guide you through what comes after that diagnosis, legally and practically, so you and your family aren’t left navigating this alone. If you want to understand your options, both medical and legal, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis?
It can take several weeks. Imaging scans provide quick results, but biopsy tissue must be processed with pathology and immunohistochemistry testing before a final diagnosis can be confirmed.
Can mesothelioma be misdiagnosed?
Yes. Because symptoms mimic lung cancer or asbestosis, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed without expert pathology review. That’s why second opinions and specialized labs are important.
Do all asbestos-exposed workers develop mesothelioma?
No. While asbestos is the only known cause, not every exposed worker will develop mesothelioma. Risk depends on the type of asbestos fiber, dose, and duration of exposure. Learn more about asbestos exposure here: https://dandell.com/asbestos-exposure/.
What happens after a diagnosis?
After a confirmed diagnosis, patients may consider treatment options and explore legal rights. Families often pursue compensation through lawsuits or trust funds. Learn more about the lawsuit process here: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-lawsuits-texas/.
How Doctors Diagnose Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because its early symptoms mimic other respiratory conditions. Doctors typically use a combination of imaging, pathology, and laboratory testing to confirm the disease.
Common diagnostic steps include:
Imaging scans – Chest X-ray, CT, PET, or MRI scans can reveal pleural thickening or tumors.
Biopsies – Tissue samples obtained by needle, thoracoscopy, or surgical biopsy are required for a definitive diagnosis.
Histology & cell typing – Pathologists identify mesothelioma subtypes (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic), which influence prognosis and treatment.
Molecular markers – Tests for proteins and gene mutations (e.g., BAP1) are increasingly used in difficult cases.
Learn more about how a confirmed diagnosis impacts case value and what it means for your compensation options.
Why Latency Matters
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years after asbestos exposure. This means many patients are only diagnosed decades after their last exposure. Veterans, construction workers, and power plant employees often face this delayed onset.
Understanding latency is critical for both medical treatment and legal claims. We help families connect their diagnosis to past exposures documented in worksites and ship logs so responsible companies can be held accountable.
Case Story: From Symptoms to Diagnosis
One client, a Navy machinist, began experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath nearly 40 years after service. Imaging revealed pleural effusion, and a surgical biopsy confirmed mesothelioma. With our help, his family pursued both VA benefits and a lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturers — securing compensation to cover medical costs and long-term care.
See more outcomes on our settlements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis?
It can take weeks. Imaging is fast, but pathology and immunohistochemistry testing on biopsy tissue take longer.
Can mesothelioma be misdiagnosed?
Yes. It is often mistaken for lung cancer or asbestosis. That’s why expert pathology review is essential.
Do all asbestos-exposed workers develop mesothelioma?
No. While asbestos is the only known cause, not everyone exposed will develop the disease. Risk increases with fiber type, duration, and intensity of exposure. Learn more about asbestos exposure.
What happens after a diagnosis?
After a confirmed diagnosis, patients can explore treatment options and families can pursue legal claims. Learn how the lawsuit process works.
Experience Matters
Our client service managers can assist you with finding the right treatment center and connecting you with a mesothelioma specialist.
Once your medical needs have been addressed, your next questions will look toward your future and the future of your family.
- You’re worried about how to pay for your bills and your family’s financial health.
- You know that mesothelioma comes from exposure to asbestos but you’re not sure how you were exposed.
- You’re not sure whether your exposure qualifies for compensation, or how to get it.
- You don’t know who to go to for help.
Let’s look at each of those questions individually.
How Will I Pay for My Bills?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Some exposures come from long-ago workplaces. Some people were exposed to asbestos in cosmetic talc products, while others trace their exposure back to asbestos carried home on their spouse’s or sibling’s or parent’s work clothes. (This is known as secondary asbestos exposure.)
No matter how you were exposed, there’s a very good chance that the company whose contaminated products you came into contact with knew about the dangers of asbestos but chose to keep their knowledge quiet. Putting profits over the health of people in this way is a form of negligence, and victims have the right to file claims for compensation for the damage they’ve suffered.
Mesothelioma victims can file personal injury claims against the companies that exposed them to asbestos. In some cases, these companies have faced so many asbestos lawsuits that they’ve filed for bankruptcy and set up asbestos trust funds specifically for the benefit of those they’ve harmed.
There is currently a total of $30 billion available from the dozens of companies that have set up trusts, and if your exposure was from one of the companies that have gone through this process, a claim for compensation can be submitted to their fund.
Companies that have not established asbestos bankruptcy trusts can be named in personal injury claims that can be resolved through jury trials or settled out of court. Other forms of compensation include workers’ compensation, and veterans exposed to asbestos during their time in the service may be eligible for benefits from the VA.
Who Can I Trust?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. With so many mesothelioma law firms vying for your attention and telling you they’ll get you the most money, how can you possibly know who to trust, or which one you should choose?
One of the best ways to differentiate between firms is by speaking to previous clients. That’s why you’ll find so many testimonials on our website and in all of our printed materials. Our previous clients and their family members say more about the experience of working with Danziger & De Llano than we ever could, and what they’ll tell you is that we truly care. The difference between Danziger & De Llano and all of the other firms is that, in addition to working to maximize your compensation, we go above and beyond to make sure that we’re truly there for you, 24/7.
Danziger & De Llano’s entire staff is fully dedicated to our clients. We’ll work to match you with the attorney who is best suited to your claim based on the specifics of your case, but our efforts go far beyond legal representation. When you become one of our clients, you’ll have access to us whenever you need us, right down to having our personal phone numbers. You can call us any time, day or night, weekday or weekend.
That may seem over-the-top, but it’s a reflection of the compassion we feel for the people we represent. We know what a challenging disease mesothelioma is. We know the fear and the grief, the anxiety and the confusion. We’re here for whatever you need, from assisting with finding the right physician to answering your questions as they arise. We’re here to help you and your family in any way that we can, whenever you need us.
Want to hear more? Give us a call to speak to one of our knowledgeable Client Service Managers. We want to help, and we’re happy to answer all your questions.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma:
Review your compensation options.
Learn what your case may be worth.
See settlements and testimonials from families we’ve helped.
Contact us for a free case evaluation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/
Last updated: October 5, 2025
Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment. For legal options after a diagnosis, request a free evaluation here: https://dandell.com/contact-us/