Types of Cancer Associated with Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny, durable fibers which have been used in countless industries and products in the United States since the late 19th century. At the time, the risks of asbestos exposure were unknown. But it is now well-documented that heavy or long-term exposure to asbestos raises the risk of a number of deadly cancers, including:
Mesothelioma – This is an extremely rare cancer, though the number of diagnoses has increased in recent years. It is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and is diagnosed in approximately 2,000 people in the U.S. each year.
There are three types of mesothelioma, classified according to where the cancer originates. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this asbestos cancer, begins in the protective membrane surrounding the lungs (pleura) and may spread from there. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are less common and affect the lining around the abdominal cavity and the heart, respectively.
The prognosis for those diagnosed with mesothelioma tends to be poor considering the cancer is usually not discovered until it has reached more advanced stages. This is because symptoms of mesothelioma do not typically appear until two to five decades after exposure to asbestos has occurred.
Lung Cancer – Lung cancer is more common than mesothelioma, but there are also many more environmental factors that increase the risk of this deadly disease. Asbestos exposure is one such factor that is known to cause both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer – Asbestos exposure is also linked to cancer of the larynx, or voice box. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include sore throat, hoarseness and ear pain, and prognosis is dependent on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.
Kidney Cancer – Many studies have linked exposure to asbestos to an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Additional research has suggested a link between asbestos and other cancers such as colon cancer, intestinal cancer, esophageal cancer and cancer of the gallbladder.
Who is at Risk for Asbestos Cancer?
Prolonged or heavy exposure to asbestos most frequently occurs in certain workplace environments. Some occupations where the risk of asbestos exposure is greatest include:
- Construction and demolition
- Shipbuilding and shipyard work
- Drywall installation and removal
- Automotive brake repair
- Firefighting
The reason asbestos exposure is so dangerous is that when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the fibers may become airborne and individuals may unknowingly inhale them. These microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lungs or other internal tissues and organs, causing the development of cancer and other non-cancerous illnesses like asbestosis (a chronic lung ailment).
Though not all instances of asbestos exposure are preventable, many cases are and employers have a responsibility to try to reduce the risk of exposure and teach their employees preventative measures. If you have developed an asbestos-related cancer, you may have a legal right to compensation. Contact an experienced attorney today for a free claim evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.
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