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Lung Cancer & Asbestos Exposure

Lung Cancer & Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to life-threatening health conditions, including lung cancer. The asbestos litigation team at Wallace Miller is dedicated to helping people harmed by exposure to this dangerous substance fight for fair compensation.

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer that may have been caused by asbestos exposure, reach out to our legal team. We provide free, confidential consultations to help you discuss your circumstances and decide on the best path forward.

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What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building material due to its resistance to heat and corrosion. The mineral is present in many old buildings in insulation, shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, cement, and other construction materials. It can also be found in automobile parts, textiles, talcum powder, and other common products.

When asbestos fibers break down, they create tiny fibers that can be swallowed or inhaled. These fibers don’t break down inside the body and have been shown to cause life-threatening health issues including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases.

Since the early 1900s, medical experts have warned of the serious health problems caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos production was banned in the U.S. in the 1970s and asbestos is now classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and others.

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How are people exposed to asbestos?

The most common way that people are exposed to asbestos is by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers. These fibers are released when asbestos-containing products break down.

Exposure to asbestos can occur in several different circumstances:

Direct exposure via mining or handling asbestos-containing materials. Some occupations, including construction, mining, and mechanical work, carry a high risk of exposure.
Familial or household exposure when people working directly with asbestos bring fibers home on their clothing.
Environmental exposure in homes, schools, factories, and other buildings contaminated with asbestos. When building materials break down during construction, demolition, or removal work, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Military veterans, especially those who have served in the Navy, have a higher risk of environmental exposure due to the high levels of asbestos in many military vehicles.

It is also possible to swallow asbestos through contaminated food or water. However, this is a less common source of exposure than inhaling fibers in the air.

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Your Legal Options After Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos

When someone is exposed to asbestos, they can inhale tiny asbestos fibers. These fibers stay in the lungs and, over time, significantly raise the risk of developing tumors, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Asbestos-related lung cancer (ARLC) is a life-threatening form of cancer directly linked to exposure to asbestos fibers. Over the course of this disease, cells in the lungs grow out of control and eventually form into malignant tumors. These tumors can eventually block the lungs’ air passages and spread to other parts of the body.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death across the world. While tobacco smoke is the most significant contributor to lung cancer rates, up to a quarter of cases may not be due to smoking. Studies have shown that all forms of asbestos are linked to increased lung cancer risk and that those exposed to both tobacco smoke and asbestos develop lung cancer at much higher rates.

Asbestos-related lung cancer is six times more common than mesothelioma, a cancer in the organ lining that occurs as a result of asbestos exposure. The higher the level of exposure to asbestos—and the longer someone is exposed to it—the higher their risk of developing lung cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

Doctors classify lung cancer by the type of cell where it begins. The two primary categories—small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer—develop differently, exhibit different characteristics, and have different prognoses.

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Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer makes up about 85% of all lung cancer cases. It tends to develop slowly and may cause no or very few symptoms until the disease has metastasized (spread from the lung tissue to other parts of the body). The main subtypes of NSCLC are:

Adenocarcinoma. The most common type of lung cancer, it makes up about 30% of all lung cancer cases.
Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of lung cancer begins in the center of the lungs and is often linked to smoking.
Large cell carcinoma. This cancer can begin in any part of the lung and often spreads quickly.

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Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Small cell lung cancer is rarer than NSCLC, accounting for about 15% of lung cancer cases. Although SCLC is historically linked with tobacco use, a growing number of people with no history of smoking are being diagnosed with the disease. Small cell lung cancer often starts in the bronchi (the two tubes that carry air from the windpipe to the lungs) and grows more quickly than NSCLC, spreading rapidly through the body.

The subtypes of SCLC are:

Small cell carcinoma. Doctors diagnose this cancer type by the shape of the cancer cells, which look flat when viewed through a microscope.
Combined small cell carcinoma. This cancer is marked by tumors made up of mostly small cells and a few non-small cells.

Photo © Pixabay / Pexels

Photo © Pixabay / Pexels

Symptoms of lung cancer

Asbestos-related lung cancer usually develops at least a decade after someone is first exposed. There are often no symptoms in its early stages, and early symptoms may be confused with other conditions.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

A persistent cough that gets worse over time
Chest pain
Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Feeling very tired all the time
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Respiratory infections that keep coming back

If you think you may have lung cancer, it’s important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible. They can conduct a lung cancer screening in order to help you reach a diagnosis.

Q&A

What are the symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer?

The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include a persistent cough that gets worse over time, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. They often take years to develop and may be confused with signs of other conditions.

How long does it take to get lung cancer from asbestos?

Lung cancer can take many decades to develop after exposure to asbestos. Studies have found that the average length between exposure and diagnosis is about 30 years.

What is the difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma?

Lung cancer and mesothelioma are both forms of cancer that can be caused by asbestos. However, mesothelioma begins in the thin linings around the organs in the chest, while lung cancer begins in the lungs.

Can I file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit if I smoked?

Even if you are or have been a smoker, you may still be eligible for compensation in an asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos exposure can still play a role in the development of lung cancer for those who smoke.

Contact Wallace Miller

A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating for the individual and their loved ones. There is no amount of money that can make up for the harm of being exposed to asbestos, but financial compensation can help pay for medical bills, take care of family members, and provide peace of mind.

The legal team at Wallace Miller fights to make sure that people struggling with illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos are able to receive the money they need to support themselves and their families. If you have questions about your asbestos exposure, reach out to our team for a free and confidential consultation.

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Lung Cancer & Asbestos Exposure

What is asbestos?