Whether it is primary exposure due to working directly with the dangerous material or secondary exposure suffered by friends and family, contact with asbestos fibers can lead to devastating, deadly conditions. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for medical professionals to incorrectly diagnose mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer when early symptoms become apparent.
While every situation is unique, there are numerous factors that can dramatically impact the speed and accuracy of a medical diagnosis for mesothelioma, including:
Additionally, medical professionals can find it challenging to diagnose mesothelioma due to the different types of exposure. Primary exposure could be easier to eventually track down, but secondary exposure might prove difficult. Secondary exposure, often called domestic or familial exposure, is often hidden from medical examinations. In these situations, individuals who were never directly exposed to asbestos can still inhale or ingest the fibers eventually exhibiting catastrophic symptoms.