Medical Lexicon Definitions: Terms for Asbestos-Related Diseases and Science

This section includes short, plain-language definitions of medical and scientific terms related to asbestos exposure. These entries explain how asbestos affects the body, how diseases like mesothelioma are diagnosed, and how biological processes like inflammation and cell death relate to exposure. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this glossary makes medical terms accessible and understandable.

Diseases & Conditions

Asbestos-Related Diseases and Conditions This category includes the major health conditions caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases often have long latency periods and devastating effects, making early recognition and accurate diagnosis critical. Legal claims and compensation often hinge on understanding the nuances of these conditions and their link to occupational exposure.

The following 38 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

Adenocarcinoma — A type of cancer that develops in the glands of organs, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Anthracosis — A chronic lung condition caused by the inhalation of coal dust or other carbon particles.
Asbestos Corns — Asbestos corns are painful, corn-like lesions caused by asbestos fibers embedded in the skin, typically on the feet.
Ascites — The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often linked to asbestos-related cancers.
Atelectasis — Atelectasis is the collapse or incomplete expansion of a lung or portion of a lung.
Benign — Not cancerous or malignant; describes a non-threatening medical condition.
Bronchogenic — Pertaining to or arising from the bronchi, often used to describe lung cancer that originates in the bronchi.
Butchart Staging System — A staging system used to classify the extent of mesothelioma into four stages based on the spread of the disease.
Carcinoma — A type of cancer that develops from epithelial cells, often linked to asbestos exposure.
COPD — Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease often exacerbated by asbestos exposure.
Cor Pulmonale — Cor pulmonale is a condition where the right side of the heart enlarges and fails due to chronic lung diseases, such as those caused by asbestos exposure.
Cyanosis — Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
Dysphagia — Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, often linked to asbestos-related diseases.
Dyspnea — Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, often experienced by individuals exposed to asbestos.
Erythema — Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow, often a symptom of asbestos exposure.
Fibrosis — Fibrosis is the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Granuloma — A small area of inflammation where immune cells cluster, often forming a nodule or mass in response to chronic inflammation or infection.
Hemoptysis — The coughing up of blood or blood-streaked sputum from the respiratory tract, often associated with asbestos-related diseases.
Hemothorax — Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, often a complication of asbestos-related diseases.
Hydrocele — A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid in the scrotum, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy (HPOA) — A condition involving bone thickening and joint swelling, sometimes linked to asbestos exposure.
Hypoxia — A condition characterized by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body's tissues.
Malignant — Characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of cells, often leading to severe health outcomes.
Mesothelioma — Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Myeloma — Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, linked to asbestos exposure.
Neoplasm — An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant, often resulting from uncontrolled cell division.
Ototoxicity — Ototoxicity refers to the property of being toxic to the ear, which can lead to hearing loss, balance problems, or ringing in the ears.
Parenchymal Fibrosis — A condition characterized by the thickening and scarring of the lung tissue due to asbestos exposure.
Pathology — The branch of medicine that studies the nature, causes, and effects of diseases, particularly through examination of tissue samples and bodily fluids.
Pleural Effusion — An accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure.
Pleural Plaques — Pleural plaques are non-cancerous areas of thickened tissue on the lung's lining often caused by asbestos exposure.
Pleurisy — Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, often causing sharp chest pain during breathing, and can be associated with asbestos exposure.
Pneumatosis Pulmonalis — A rare lung condition characterized by gas-filled cysts, sometimes linked to asbestos exposure.
Pneumoconiosis — A lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, including asbestos fibers, leading to inflammation and fibrosis of the lung tissue.
Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia — A benign condition characterized by the proliferation of mesothelial cells, often in response to inflammation or irritation.
Sarcoma — A type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, like bone or muscle, and can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Sequela — A condition resulting from an illness or injury, often seen in asbestos-related diseases.
Silicosis — A lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue.

Microscopy & Analytical Techniques

Detecting Asbestos Fibers at the Microscopic Level This category focuses on the scientific tools used to identify and analyze asbestos, including phase contrast microscopy (PCM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). These techniques are central to exposure investigations, environmental testing, and legal proof of fiber presence in materials or lungs.

The following 12 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

B-Read — A standardized method for interpreting chest X-rays to identify asbestos-related lung abnormalities.
Bulk Sampling — The process of collecting and analyzing a physical sample of material to determine the presence and concentration of asbestos fibers.
Crystallographic Analysis — A technique used to determine the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids, crucial for identifying asbestos fibers.
Diastase-Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) Method — A histological staining technique used to detect glycogen and other carbohydrates in tissue samples, useful in identifying certain asbestos-related diseases.
Elemental Analysis — A technique used to determine the chemical elements present in a sample, often applied in the identification and quantification of asbestos fibers.
Histology — The study of the microscopic structure of tissues, used to diagnose asbestos-related diseases.
Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) — Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) is a technique used to identify and analyze the chemical composition of materials by measuring the absorption of infrared light at different wavelengths.
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) — A technique used to identify and analyze asbestos fibers by observing their optical properties under polarized light.
Retention TIme — The time it takes for a specific compound to travel through a chromatography column, used to identify and quantify substances in asbestos analysis.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) — A technique using a focused electron beam to produce high-resolution images of a sample's surface, crucial for identifying asbestos fibers.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) — A technique used to obtain high-resolution images of the internal structure of materials, capable of magnifying specimens up to 50 million times.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) — A technique used to identify the crystalline structure of materials by measuring the scattering of X-rays from a sample.

Occupational & Exposure Concepts

How, Where, and Why People Were Exposed to Asbestos This category examines the real-world scenarios in which people came into contact with asbestos — from occupational exposure in shipyards and factories to secondary exposure at home. Topics include job duties, airborne fiber levels, household contamination, and cumulative dose. These entries are essential for reconstructing exposure histories and establishing liability in legal claims

The following 13 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

Air Monitoring — The process of sampling and analyzing air to detect the presence and concentration of airborne asbestos fibers.
Aspirate — The act of inhaling asbestos fibers into the lungs.
Bystander Exposure — Exposure to asbestos by individuals not directly involved in handling asbestos but present in the vicinity.
Cumulative Exposure — The total amount of asbestos an individual has been exposed to over time, calculated by combining the duration and intensity of exposure.
Diffuse — In asbestos exposure, 'diffuse' refers to the widespread distribution of asbestos fibers throughout the lungs or other body tissues.
Encapsulation — The process of treating asbestos-containing materials with a sealant to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
Endemic — Refers to the constant presence and usual prevalence of a disease within a specific geographic area or population group.
Fiber Burden — The total amount of asbestos fibers accumulated in the lungs or other tissues due to exposure.
Fiber Separation — The process by which asbestos fibers are released into the air from materials.
Fiber Year — A unit measuring asbestos exposure, calculated as the concentration of fibers in the air times the years of exposure.
Latency — The period of time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of related diseases.
Secondary Exposure — Secondary exposure refers to the inhalation of asbestos fibers by individuals who were indirectly exposed through contact with asbestos workers.
Threshhold Limit Value (TLV) — The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is a guideline for the maximum concentration of asbestos to which workers can be safely exposed.

Diagnostic Tools & Biomarkers

Tools for Detecting Asbestos-Related Disease This category covers the tests and technologies used to identify asbestos-related illnesses, including imaging methods like chest X-rays and CT scans, specialized readings such as B-Reads, and biological markers like calretinin and mesothelin. These tools are critical for early detection, proper diagnosis, and documentation in both medical management and legal claims.

The following 35 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

B-Reader — A B-Reader is a physician certified to classify chest X-rays for pneumoconiosis, including asbestosis.
Biopsy — A medical procedure involving the removal of tissue or cells for examination to diagnose diseases, including those caused by asbestos exposure.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) — A medical procedure to collect lung samples by washing the bronchoalveolar space with saline.
Bronchoscopy — A medical procedure using a bronchoscope to examine the lungs and collect samples.
CA-125 — CA-125 is a biomarker used to detect and monitor asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Calretinin — A protein used as a biomarker for diagnosing mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos exposure.
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) — A protein used as a tumor marker to diagnose and monitor cancers associated with asbestos exposure.
Crackling Rales — Abnormal lung sounds indicative of interstitial lung diseases like asbestosis.
CT Scan — A medical imaging technique using X-rays to diagnose asbestos-related diseases.
ctDNA — Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a non-invasive biomarker used for cancer detection and monitoring, relevant in asbestos-related diseases.
Cytokeratin 5/6 — Cytokeratin 5/6 is used as a marker to differentiate mesothelioma from other lung cancers in asbestos-related cases.
Cytology — Cytology is the study of cells used to detect and diagnose diseases such as asbestos-related cancers.
Cytopathology — The study and diagnosis of diseases at the cellular level.
D2-40 (Podoplanin) — D2-40 (Podoplanin) is an immunohistochemical marker used to diagnose asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
DLCO — DLCO measures how well oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood, used to assess lung function in asbestos-exposed patients.
Endoscopy — A medical procedure using an endoscope to examine the body's interior.
Endotracheal Biopsy — A medical procedure involving the removal of tissue samples from the trachea for examination, often used to diagnose asbestos-related conditions.
F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) — F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is a radioactive glucose analog used in PET scans to detect metabolic activity in tissues, aiding in the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases.
Fibulin-3 — Fibulin-3 is a protein biomarker used to detect malignant pleural mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) — A molecular cytogenetic technique used to detect and locate specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.
FVC — Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is a measure of the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs after a full inhalation, used to assess lung function.
Immunohistochemistry — A technique used to identify specific antigens in tissue sections, crucial for diagnosing asbestos-related diseases.
Laparotomy — A surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdominal cavity, used to diagnose and treat asbestos-related conditions.
Laryngoscopy — A medical procedure to examine the larynx for signs of asbestos-related conditions like laryngeal cancer.
Mesothelin — Mesothelin is a protein biomarker used for diagnosing and monitoring asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma.
Osteopontin — A protein biomarker used to detect asbestos exposure and related diseases.
paracentesis — A medical procedure to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
PFT — Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) measure lung function to diagnose and monitor asbestos-related diseases.
Pharyngoscopy — A medical procedure to examine the pharynx for asbestos-related conditions.
Roentgen — A unit of measurement for exposure to ionizing radiation.
Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) — Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) are biomarkers used to detect and monitor mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Spirogram — A graphical record of lung volume changes over time, used to assess lung function in asbestos-related diseases.
Sputum — Mucus and other matter coughed up from the lungs, analyzed for asbestos fibers or signs of asbestos-related diseases.
TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1) — TTF-1 is a biomarker used to identify the origin of lung cancers, aiding in distinguishing primary lung adenocarcinoma from metastatic cancers.
Ultrasound — A diagnostic imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal body structures, useful in detecting asbestos-related conditions.

Biological & Molecular Mechanisms

How Asbestos Triggers Disease at the Cellular Level This category explores the microscopic processes that turn exposure into illness — including phagocytosis, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and chronic inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms bridges the gap between environmental exposure and medical outcome, and supports causation arguments in both science and court.

The following 38 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

Apoptosis — Programmed cell death, a natural process that removes damaged or harmful cells.
Asbestos Bodies — Asbestos bodies are structures formed in the lungs when asbestos fibers are coated with proteins by the body's defense mechanisms.
Biphasic — A term used to describe a biological process or response that occurs in two distinct phases.
Cytokine — Cytokines are small proteins crucial for cell signaling and immune responses, relevant in asbestos-related inflammation.
DNA adducts — Chemical modifications to DNA resulting from asbestos exposure, potentially leading to cancer.
DNA lesions — Damage to the DNA molecule that can lead to mutations or cell death.
Eosinophilic — Pertaining to eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses.
Epithelioid — A type of cell resembling epithelial cells, commonly found in epithelioid mesothelioma.
Extra Cellular Matrix — The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of proteins and carbohydrates providing structural and biochemical support to cells, which can be disrupted by asbestos fibers.
Exudate — A fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues due to inflammation or injury, often seen in asbestos-related diseases.
Ferruginous body — A microscopic structure formed in lung tissue when asbestos fibers or other inhaled particles are coated with proteins and iron.
Fibroblast — A cell that produces collagen and other extracellular matrix components, crucial in tissue repair and implicated in asbestos-related fibrosis.
Fibrogenic — Pertaining to the formation of fibrous tissue, often as a result of chronic inflammation or injury.
Glycoprotein — A protein with attached sugar chains, involved in biological processes and significant in asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
Hematogenous Spread — The dissemination of cancer cells through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body.
High Mobility Group Box Protein-1 (HMGB1) — A protein that acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine when released extracellularly, implicated in asbestos-related inflammation.
HMGB1 — HMGB1 is a protein that triggers inflammation and immune responses in asbestos-induced diseases.
Hyaluronic Acid — A glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix, elevated in pleural fluid in asbestos-related diseases.
Interleukins — Interleukins are cytokines crucial for immune responses and are involved in asbestos-related diseases.
Macrophage — A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, and pathogens.
Metastasize — To spread from one part of the body to another, forming secondary tumors.
Micronuclei — Small, extra nuclei formed during cell division due to chromosomal damage or malfunction.
Mucociliary — The mucociliary clearance mechanism removes asbestos fibers from the lungs.
Nephrotoxicity — The quality of being toxic to the kidneys, often resulting in kidney damage or dysfunction.
Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) — A protein complex that controls DNA transcription and is implicated in the inflammatory response to asbestos exposure.
Oncogenesis — The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.
OX40 receptor — A protein receptor on activated T-cells crucial for immune responses, including those related to asbestos diseases.
Oxidative Stress — A state characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and the body's ability to detoxify them, significant in asbestos-related diseases.
PD-1/PD-L1 — PD-1 and PD-L1 are proteins involved in immune regulation, significant for potential immunotherapy in asbestos-related cancers.
Phagocytosis — The process by which cells engulf and digest solid particles, such as asbestos fibers.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) — A family of proteins involved in cell growth and division, implicated in asbestos-related diseases.
Polymorphs — Different physical forms of a single substance with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.
Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) — Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) are highly reactive molecules derived from nitric oxide that can cause cellular damage and are linked to asbestos-related diseases.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) — Highly reactive chemical molecules containing oxygen that can cause cellular damage and are linked to asbestos-related diseases.
Squamous Cell — A type of cell found in the outer layer of the skin and in the lining of certain organs and cavities, characterized by a flat, scale-like appearance.
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) — A cytokine involved in cell regulation and implicated in asbestos-related diseases.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) — A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and the acute phase reaction.
Tumorigenesis — The process by which normal cells transform into tumor cells, often leading to cancer.

Scientific Studies & Breakthroughs

Research That Changed What We Know About Asbestos This category highlights the peer-reviewed studies, lab findings, and clinical trials that deepened scientific understanding of asbestos toxicity. It includes landmark epidemiological research, fiber morphology studies, and experimental therapies. These entries are central to both medical decision-making and legal arguments about when industry “should have known” the dangers.

Treatments & Therapies

Managing Asbestos-Related Illnesses This category focuses on the medical and experimental treatments available for asbestos-related conditions, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and emerging therapies. Understanding treatment options is vital for patients, caregivers, and attorneys navigating compensation claims involving medical expenses and life expectancy.

The following 38 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

ADI-PEG-20 — ADI-PEG-20 is an experimental enzyme therapy used to treat cancers like mesothelioma by depleting arginine.
Adjuvant Therapy — A treatment given after the primary treatment to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
Antifolate — Antifolates are chemotherapy drugs that inhibit folic acid action, used in treating asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma.
Bevacizumab — Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat cancers, including those linked to asbestos, by inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth.
Brachytherapy — Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer by placing radioactive material directly inside or next to the tumor site.
Capecitabine — Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat cancers associated with asbestos exposure.
CAR-T Cell — CAR-T cell therapy is an immunotherapy where T cells are genetically modified to target cancer cells, including those associated with asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Carboplatin — A chemotherapy drug used to treat lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Cetuximab (Erbitux) — Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of cancer, including asbestos-related lung cancer.
checkpoint inhibitors — Checkpoint inhibitors are immunotherapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight asbestos-related cancers by blocking proteins used by cancer cells to evade detection.
Cisplatin — Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancers like mesothelioma, which can result from asbestos exposure.
CRS-207 — CRS-207 is an experimental immunotherapy treatment for mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure.
Cytoreductive — A treatment aimed at reducing the number of cancer cells in the body, often used for asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma.
Decorticate — To remove the outer layer or cortex of an organ or structure, often used in reference to the brain or lung.
Fluorouracil (5-FU) — Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma.
FOLFIRI (5-FU, Leucovorin, and Irinotecan) — FOLFIRI is a chemotherapy regimen used for advanced colorectal cancer, consisting of 5-FU, Leucovorin, and Irinotecan.
FOLFOX — FOLFOX is a chemotherapy regimen used to treat colorectal cancer, relevant in asbestos litigation for cases involving secondary cancers.
Galinpepimut-S (WT1) — Galinpepimut-S (WT1) is an experimental cancer vaccine targeting the WT1 protein, relevant for asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Gemcitabine — Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
HIPEC — Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment where heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated into the abdominal cavity to target cancer cells, often used for advanced abdominal cancers.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) — A targeted cancer treatment where radiation is administered directly to the tumor site during surgery.
Mitomycin C — Mitomycin C is an antitumor antibiotic used in chemotherapy to treat cancers associated with asbestos exposure.
Monoclonal Antibody — A type of protein designed to bind to specific targets on cells, used in the treatment of asbestos-related diseases.
Neoadjuvant Therapy — Treatment given before the main treatment to shrink a tumor.
Nucleoside Analog Drug — A medication used to treat asbestos-related cancers by mimicking natural nucleosides to interfere with DNA replication in cancer cells.
Opdivo — Opdivo is an immunotherapy drug used to treat cancers, including those caused by asbestos exposure.
Orchiectomy — Surgical removal of one or both testicles, often used to treat testicular cancer or other conditions.
Palliative — Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, without attempting to cure the underlying disease.
Pemetrexed — Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma, a cancer often linked to asbestos exposure.
Pericardiectomy — A surgical procedure to remove part or all of the pericardium, often used to treat asbestos-related pericardial mesothelioma.
Pericardiocentesis — A medical procedure to remove fluid from the pericardial sac around the heart.
Pneumonectomy — A surgical procedure to remove an entire lung, often used for severe lung diseases or cancer.
Sugarbaker Procedure — A surgical treatment for mesothelioma involving the removal of the affected lung and surrounding tissues.
Thoracotomy — A surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest wall to access the thoracic cavity, often used to diagnose or treat asbestos-related diseases.
Trastuzumab — Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain cancers, including lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) — Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is a cancer treatment using low-intensity electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division, often used with chemotherapy for asbestos-related diseases.
VEGF inhibitors — VEGF inhibitors are drugs used to treat asbestos-related cancers by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors.
Vinorelbine — Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancers linked to asbestos exposure, such as non-small cell lung cancer.

Anatomy & Physiology

How Asbestos Affects the Human Body This category explains the organs and biological systems affected by asbestos exposure — especially the lungs, pleura, and peritoneum. It also includes structural concepts like alveoli, pleural lining, and cilia. These entries provide the anatomical foundation for understanding how inhaled fibers lead to chronic disease and cancer.

The following 31 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

Alveoli — Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, crucial in asbestos-related diseases.
Apices — The uppermost or pointed parts of a structure, often referring to the top sections of the lungs.
Basilar — Pertaining to the base or foundation of a structure, particularly in reference to the base of the lung or brain.
Bilateral — Pertaining to both sides of the body or an organ.
Bronchi — The large air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs, branching into smaller tubes called bronchioles.
Bronchus — A major air passage of the lung that conducts air to the lungs.
Clubbing — Clubbing is a medical condition characterized by the bulbous enlargement of the fingertips and toes, often associated with chronic lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Costophrenic angle — The angle formed by the diaphragm and the chest wall, visible on imaging, where fluid accumulation can be detected.
Diaphragm — A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is crucial for respiration.
Epithelium — The tissue covering the surfaces of organs, crucial in asbestos-related diseases.
Hilum — The area where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit the lung.
Interstitial — Pertaining to or situated in the small spaces between parts of an organ or tissue.
Ipsilateral pleura — The pleura on the same side of the body as a specific anatomical structure or disease process.
Mediastinum — The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, containing vital organs and structures.
Mesoderm — One of the three primary germ layers in the early embryo, developing into connective tissue, muscle, bone, and the circulatory system.
Mesothelium — The mesothelium is a membrane lining the chest and abdominal cavities and covering the organs within these cavities.
Mucociliary Escalator — A respiratory defense mechanism that uses mucus and cilia to remove inhaled particles.
Orthopnea — Difficulty breathing except in an upright position, often linked to asbestos-related lung diseases.
Parenchyma — The functional tissue of an organ, particularly relevant in asbestos-related lung diseases.
Parietal Pleura — The outer layer of the pleura that lines the chest wall and covers the upper surface of the diaphragm.
Pericardial — Relating to the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encloses the heart.
Peritoneal — Relating to the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering its organs.
Peritoneum — The peritoneum is the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.
Pleura — The pleura is a thin membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity, crucial in asbestos-related conditions.
Pulmonology — The branch of medicine focused on the respiratory system, crucial for diagnosing and treating asbestos-related lung diseases.
Serous Cavities — Spaces within the body containing serous fluid to reduce friction between organs and tissues.
Serous Fluid — A clear, watery fluid that lubricates the space between organs and body cavity walls.
Thorax — The part of the body between the neck and abdomen, containing vital organs like the lungs, which are affected by asbestos exposure.
Total Lung Capacity (TLC) — The maximum volume of air the lungs can hold after a full inhalation.
Tunica Vaginalis — A thin sac that surrounds the testicle and lines the inner surface of the scrotum.
Visceral Pleura — The visceral pleura is the membrane covering the lungs and lining the lung fissures.

Research & Epidemiology

Studying Asbestos Exposure at the Population Level This category covers the studies, models, and data that help us understand how asbestos exposure affects populations over time. Topics include dose-response curves, latency periods, cohort studies, and geographic hotspots. Epidemiology is key to proving general causation in court — and guiding public health decisions outside it.

The following 4 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

Dose-response relationship — The relationship between the amount of exposure to a substance and the resulting change in body or health effect.
Epidemiology — The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
Etiology — The study of the causes of diseases, particularly how environmental and genetic factors contribute to disease development.
Relative Risk — The ratio of the probability of an event occurring in an exposed group versus a non-exposed group, used to assess the strength of association between asbestos exposure and disease.

Genetics & Oncology

Genetic Risk and Cancer Mechanisms in Asbestos Exposure This category covers the genetic and cellular mechanisms behind asbestos-related cancers, including tumor suppressor gene mutations like BAP1 and the oncogenesis of mesothelioma. These entries bridge molecular biology and legal relevance — showing how genetics may influence susceptibility, causation, and defense strategy in complex cases.

The following 11 Lexicon entries are assigned to this category:

BAP1 — BAP1 is a tumor suppressor gene linked to increased risk of mesothelioma and other cancers when mutated.
Carcinogenic — Capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
Desmoplastic — A type of mesothelioma characterized by dense fibrous tissue.
EGFR — Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is a protein influencing cell growth, with mutations linked to asbestos-related lung cancer.
Microsatellite Instability (MSI-H) — Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) is a condition where the length of short, repetitive DNA sequences changes, which can indicate certain cancers linked to asbestos exposure.
Mismatch Repair Deficiency (dMMR) — A condition where cells cannot correct DNA replication errors, increasing cancer risk.
p53 — A tumor suppressor gene crucial for preventing cancer by regulating cell division and apoptosis.
Sarcomatoid — A subtype of mesothelioma characterized by spindle-shaped cells that resemble sarcoma, often more aggressive with a poorer prognosis.
SV40 — SV40 is a virus suspected to enhance the carcinogenic effects of asbestos, potentially increasing the risk of mesothelioma.
Well-Differentiated — A term used to describe cancer cells that closely resemble normal, healthy cells, indicating a lower grade of malignancy.
WT-1 (Wilms Tumor 1) — A gene involved in cell growth regulation, often altered in asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Looking for other categories? Visit the Lexicon Index to browse all 30 categories by topic.