July 28, 2025

What Cancer Does Asbestos Cause? Understand the Deadly Impact

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Lung Cancer
Asbestos
Mesothelioma
Emily Weinberger

Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: Emily Weinberger , Attorney

Published: July 28, 2025 · Last Updated: January 2026

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with highly toxic effects. Even brief exposure can lead to life-threatening conditions like mesothelioma and asbestos cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, understanding your legal rights is crucial. At Serling & Abramson, P.C., we’ve helped Michigan families hold negligent parties accountable for decades.

What Is Mesothelioma, and How Does Asbestos Cause It?

Mesothelioma is a rare but devastating cancer most commonly affecting the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial), or testes. What makes mesothelioma especially tragic is that almost all cases are preventable — exposure to asbestos is the only known cause.

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain airborne for hours. When inhaled or ingested, they embed in the body’s tissues. Over time, this presence triggers chronic inflammation, cellular mutations, and tumor formation. These tumors are usually not detected until symptoms become severe and, by then, the disease is often advanced and difficult to treat.

Treatments for mesothelioma may include:

  • Surgery to remove tumors or fluid buildup
  • Chemotherapy to shrink tumors
  • Radiation therapy to target cancer cells
  • Immunotherapy in newer, targeted clinical trials

Sadly, mesothelioma has no known cure. However, early detection and legal action can make a major difference in quality of life and financial security.

How Asbestos Exposure Causes Lung Cancer

Unlike mesothelioma, lung cancer can result from multiple causes — including cigarette smoke, radon exposure, air pollution, and asbestos. When asbestos is inhaled, the body cannot break down or expel the fibers. Over time, these fibers cause genetic damage to lung cells, leading to cancerous growths.

What’s especially dangerous is the synergistic effect between smoking and asbestos: smokers exposed to asbestos are up to 50 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers with no exposure.

Types of lung cancer associated with asbestos include:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): More common and slower growing
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): More aggressive and fast-spreading

Asbestos-related lung cancer can be especially difficult to diagnose because symptoms often mimic less serious conditions like bronchitis or asthma.

Other Cancers and Illnesses Caused by Asbestos

Besides mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure is also linked to:

Asbestosis:
This chronic lung disease causes scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties. It can take decades to manifest and often progresses slowly but irreversibly.

Pleural Diseases:
This includes:

  • Pleural plaques: Areas of fibrous thickening in the lining of the lungs
  • Pleural effusion: Excess fluid between the lung and chest wall
  • Diffuse pleural thickening: Can restrict lung expansion

Cancers of the Larynx and Ovaries:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has confirmed that asbestos is a known carcinogen for the larynx and ovaries. These links often go overlooked but may qualify victims for compensation under asbestos trust funds or legal action.

Who Is Most at Risk for Asbestos-Related Diseases?

Anyone who has worked with or near asbestos — even briefly — could be at risk. However, the following professions and environments are at the highest risk:

  • Construction workers: Especially those involved with insulation, drywall, roofing, or demolition
  • Shipyard workers: Naval vessels historically used asbestos for fireproofing
  • Automotive workers: Brakes, clutches, and gaskets often contained asbestos
  • Steel and power plant workers: Asbestos was used in high-heat environments
  • Plumbers, pipefitters and electricians: Often worked around asbestos-containing materials unknowingly

Family members of these workers are also at risk due to secondary exposure, such as inhaling asbestos fibers brought home on clothing or equipment.

Geographically, Michigan’s heavy industrial base has led to above-average mesothelioma rates, particularly in cities like Detroit and Flint.

Why Choose Serling & Abramson, P.C.?

Serling & Abramson, P.C. isn’t just any law firm — we’re Michigan’s original asbestos law firm, with over 50 years of experience securing justice for asbestos victims. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families obtain the compensation they need for:

  • Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Our attorneys understand the complex medical, legal, and emotional challenges asbestos victims face. That’s why we offer personalized, compassionate legal representation from start to finish.

Take the first step toward accountability and financial security. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation — we’ll review your case and explain your options clearly and thoroughly.

Have You or a Loved One Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Contact Serling & Abramson, P.C. now for a free case evaluation. Our team is standing by to help Michigan asbestos victims and their families.