Learn the Types of Cancer Associated with Asbestos
A naturally occurring mineral made of tiny, durable fibers is asbestos and it is used in many industries and products in our country ever since the 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 only connected to asbestos exposure and about 2,000 people are diagnosed in the U.S. yearly.
There are three types of mesothelioma, classified according to where the cancer originates. The most common type of asbestos cancer is pleural mesothelioma and it begins in the protective membrane that surround the lungs (pleura) and can spread. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are less common and affect the lining around the abdominal cavity and the heart, respectively.
The prediction for people with mesothelioma is typically not good since the cancer normally goes undiscovered until it has reached stages more advanced. For this reason mesothelioma symptoms do not usually show until 20 to 50 years after being exposed to asbestos.
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. Exposure to asbestos is one factor that is heard 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 strands of materials become lodged in the lungs, internal tissues and organs, causing cancer development and other illnesses that are non-cancerous such as asbestosis (a lung ailment that is chronic).
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 cancer because of exposure to asbestos, you may have a right to compensation. Learn about your legal rights by contacting an experienced attorney now for a free evaluation of your claim.
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