Mesothelioma Information

Asbestos lung cancer is a serious type of asbestos disease, second only in severity to malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos lung cancer differs from other types of lung cancer in that it is caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos lung cancer originating in the lungs is called primary asbestos lung cancer. There are two types of primary asbestos lung cancer: small cell asbestos lung cancer and non-small cell asbestos lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer accounts for an estimated 20% of all lung cancer types while non-small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining 80%.

Small cell lung cancer is named in accordance to its extremely small cellular makeup. Also referred to as “oat cell” cancer, the cancer cells are so small that they often contain the cell nucleus and nothing more. Non-small cell lung cancer is broken into five categories:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma
2. Adenocarcinoma
3. Large cell carcinoma
4. Adenosquamous cell carcinoma
5. Undifferentiated carcinoma

Malignant mesothelioma is often viewed as a third type of primary asbestos lung cancer, though the designation is not appropriate because mesothelioma is not a cancer of the lungs.

If asbestos cancer originates elsewhere in the body and metastasizes to the lungs then it is called secondary asbestos lung cancer. Secondary lung cancer is highly common because of the organs' integral role in blood flow.

Asbestos Lung Cancer – Disease Characterization

Asbestos lung cancer is rooted in the inhalation of asbestos fibers. When inhaled, carcinogenic asbestos fibers can get lodged in the lining of the airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs (bronchi); not surprisingly, this is where most asbestos lung cancers begin to grow. While asbestos lung cancer typically develops slowly, it is capable of metastasizing very quickly because of its location. Cancer cells can seep into the blood through the lungs, where they can be getting shuttled throughout the body.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Symptoms

Early stage asbestos lung cancer is commonly asymptomatic; symptoms are only present in approximately 15% of all early stage asbestos lung cancer cases. When symptomatic, asbestos lung cancer can cause:

1. Persistent coughing
2. Chronic chest pain
3. Weight loss
4. Bloody phlegm
5. Fatigue

Smokers faced with asbestos exposure are 55 times more likely to develop asbestos lung cancer or malignant mesothelioma than non-smokers.

Diagnosing Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos lung cancer is diagnosed using the same methods used to detect malignant pleural mesothelioma. Chest imagery scans including CT scans, x-rays and MRI's, play an essential role in the recognition of tumor growth in the lung tissue. Biopsies are often used in order to provide a definitive disease diagnosis in addition to gaining valuable information regarding the cancer; notably the specific type of cancer and its stage of development. Some of the diagnostic surgery types commonly associated with the diagnosis of asbestos lung cancer include:

• Thoracentesis: removal of fluid surrounding the lungs for examination.
• Thoracotomy: major surgery involving the opening of the chest cavity.
• Mediastinoscopy: Procedure whereby a lighted viewing tool is used to examine the center of the chest and nearby lymph nodes.
• Bronchoscopy: Procedure whereby a lighted tube is inserted into the mouth or nose to view the breathing passages.

Because early stage asbestos lung cancer is often asymptomatic, it can be difficult to diagnose early in the progression of the disease. Although more responsive to treatment than pleural mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer is often fatal because of the fact that it is not detected early on enough.

Paul and Hanley, LLP

If you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, please contact Paul & Hanley LLP to discuss your legal options.