Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a variety of conditions, benign and malignant, of the lungs and pleura. Illnesses and deaths in which asbestos may have had a causal or contributory role are often the subject of litigation. Forensic pathologists (FP) can become involved in some of these cases in their capacity of a medical examiner or coroner, autopsy pathologist or as an expert retained by one or more parties involved in litigation. FP input may be sought to address issues such as diagnosis, assessment of exposure, and attribution. This review will discuss medicolegal issues that surround lung and mesothelial tumors that can be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
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