Mesothelioma in Women

Many women were exposed at home by shaking out or washing a spouse's or parent's dusty work clothes. Others lived near plants or mines, worked in offices within industrial sites, or were employed in schools, hospitals and older buildings with deteriorating materials. Some were exposed through certain consumer products. Because these routes are indirect, women may not realize they were ever around asbestos. Recalling who in the household worked in construction, shipyards, mills or maintenance is often the key to reconstructing exposure.

A larger share of women have peritoneal mesothelioma than men do, and abdominal symptoms can be mistaken for gynecologic or digestive conditions. Studies have generally found that women tend to have somewhat better outcomes than men, though the reasons are still being studied and individual results vary widely. If you have persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic discomfort or unexplained fluid, mention any possible household asbestos exposure to your doctor so it is considered in the workup. Pathology with specific stains is essential, since several conditions affecting the abdominal and pelvic lining can look similar. If your first diagnosis was uncertain, ask whether a specialist review has been done.

Start by listing the jobs held by parents, spouses and anyone else who lived with you, along with approximate years. Note who did the laundry, where work clothes were kept and whether family members came home dusty. Old photographs, union cards and Social Security earnings records can help confirm dates and employers. Sibling and neighbor memories often fill gaps. This history matters for your medical record and is central to any legal review of a household exposure claim. If you cannot recall details, that is common. Investigators are used to building a history from partial memories, old addresses and records requested from former employers and unions.

1. 1

   List every household member's jobs and approximate years, including your father's and spouse's.

2. 2

   Write down who handled work clothes at home and how they were cleaned.

3. 3

   Tell your gynecologist or gastroenterologist about possible household asbestos exposure.

4. 4

   Ask relatives for photos or documents that show family members' employers and job sites.