The difference among these malignancies lies in the tissue in which they arise. In a carcinoma, the abnormal cells start their growth in the epithelial tissues which comprise the organs of the body. The majority of human cancers belong to this classification. Sarcomas arise in soft connective or supportive tissues such as the bones and muscles; lymphomas are tumors that develop in the lymphocytes of the immune system and Leukemia is a malignancy involving the blood cells.

The trusts administered by Verus will only consider carcinomas of specific organs for qualification/compensation; this acceptance is based on an association with asbestos exposure that has been established through medical studies and litigation history.