Lung Cancer and Asbestos
According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 235,000 new cancer diagnoses each year in the United States and approximately 130,000 deaths from lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Specific types of lung cancer have been directly associated with asbestos exposure and there is typically asbestosis present as well. Unfortunately, lung cancer can develop 20 or more years after initial asbestos exposure, making it hard to trace at times.
No matter how long it has taken to develop, if you have lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you should understand how asbestos-related cancers develop. You deserve to know the risks, tips for staying on top of a potential diagnosis, and whether you are eligible to pursue an asbestos case. Let’s explore below.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Types
Due to the nature of asbestos-related lung damage, asbestos exposure can be linked to the development of any type of lung cancer. The two main types of asbestos-related lung cancer are defined below, along with their subtypes.
Small cell lung cancer
Small-cell lung cancer is an aggressive type of lung cancer known for its smaller cell structure and rapid growth. It will quickly spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding organs if not caught early. There are two subtypes:
- Small cell carcinoma: As the most common type of small cell lung cancer, small cell carcinoma is known for the flat appearance of its cells when viewed through a microscope.
- Combined small cell carcinoma: The tumors of this subtype are comprised of both small cell carcinoma cells and a lower percentage of non-small cell carcinoma cells.
Non-small cell lung cancer
Defined by the larger cell structure as viewed through a microscope, non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It has three subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common non-small cell lung cancer subtype. Forming in the outer tissues of the lungs, adenocarcinoma grows slowly and is slow to spread.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Often developing in the bronchi, better known as the lungs’ airways, this subset is known to grow and spread very slowly.
- Large cell carcinoma: This is the least common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, and it is often seen as the most dangerous due to its more rapid growth and spread rates.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Symptoms
Roughly a quarter of all lung cancer victims don't show symptoms before they are diagnosed, but all others do. The symptoms they experience—and that you should look out for if you're at risk of asbestos-related lung cancer—can include:
- Chest pains
- Coughing and wheezing
- A hoarse voice
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bronchitis
While these symptoms may also indicate less severe conditions, it is important to see a doctor right away if you are experiencing any combination of them so that you don't lose valuable treatment time if you are diagnosed with lung cancer.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in many studies of asbestos-exposed workers. This increased risk is seen with all forms of asbestos (there is no “safe” type of asbestos in terms of lung cancer risk).
In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the higher the risk of lung cancer. Most cases of lung cancer in asbestos workers occur at least 15 years after first asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Statistics
Numerous studies have been performed to determine how asbestos-related lung cancer has impacted and continues to impact society. Here are some quick facts and statistics for you:
- Asbestos was first confirmed to cause lung cancer in 1942 by the National Cancer Institute.
- Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of approximately 4% of all U.S. lung cancer cases.
- Smokers are 10 times more likely to develop lung cancer after asbestos exposure than non-smokers.
- It can take about 15-35 years for most asbestos-related lung cancers to develop.
- In most asbestos-related lung cancer cases, the patients were unaware of prior asbestos exposure.
- In 2017 alone, around 237,000 people died from asbestos-related lung cancer globally.
How is Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Detected?
Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer may not become apparent for many decades after the exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
- A persistent cough that gets worse over time
- Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs
- Pain or tightening in the chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the neck or face
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue or anemia
A lung biopsy is the only legally reliable test to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer and is essential to support a legal case for compensation. It is important to note that this procedure cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether lung cancer will develop in the future. This is why, even in the event of a negative biopsy, we strongly advise that you regularly obtain medical checkups and screenings to stay on top of any future development of lung cancer.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Risk Factors.
Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:
- Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to)
- Duration (how long an individual was exposed)
- Source of the exposure
- Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease
- Genetic factors
We’ll take a deeper look at the links between smoking and asbestos-exposure-related lung cancer next.
Asbestos Lung Cancer and Smoking
It is widely accepted by medical experts that asbestos exposure in conjunction with cigarette smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer exponentially, with studies showing that an individual who both smoked and worked with asbestos is 50-90 times more likely than the general population to develop lung cancer.
A smoker who was exposed to asbestos is five times more likely to develop lung cancer than a smoker who was not exposed to asbestos, and studies also show that 1 in 5 people who both smoked and worked with asbestos will pass away from lung cancer.
Cigarette smokers who are exposed to asbestos are entitled to compensation for their damages.
Lung Cancer Vs. Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related lung cancer and Mesothelioma are two different types of cancer, but both can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer more commonly stems from other causes, while mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos.
Asbestos lung cancer attacks the lung tissue itself. It can come in the form of small-cell lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, oat-cell lung cancer, and other cell types. Mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs (the pleura), the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum), or the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Lung cancer can be caused by asbestos alone or in conjunction with tobacco exposure.
Symptoms and treatment for both asbestos-related diseases may be similar. However, it is important to have a doctor who specializes in asbestos cancers to determine your best treatment options.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims
To this day, men and women are still discovering they were exposed to asbestos and are, consequently, victims of lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses.
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, you will want to seek out an experienced asbestos law firm to help you receive the financial compensation that could cover your medical bills, long-term care, etc. There are statutes of limitations set on these types of claims, which means you will need to file as quickly as possible after receiving your diagnosis to ensure you receive compensation.
There are several ways in which asbestos-related lung cancer patients receive compensation for their claims:
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Settlements outside of court
- Lawsuits litigated in court
While not quite as high profile as a mesothelioma claim, a lung cancer payout can still provide anywhere from $100,000 - $700,000. Final payout varies greatly depending on the individual case, and factors such as where and when the exposures occurred and the nature of your disease.
With legal representation you can receive ample help throughout the process, no matter which route your case takes. Our lawyers at Serling & Abramson, P.C., can help you compile all the evidence and paperwork you need and will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve for what you've endured.
Michigan Asbestos Lung Cancer Attorneys
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and think you may have been exposed to asbestos, fill out the contact form to speak with Michigan’s First and Finest asbestos attorneys.