Asbestos, the fibrous material still used in some roofing materials, is best known for causing pleural mesothelioma, where cells in the linings of the lung are affected by the carcinogen. However, many people may not realize that asbestos lung cancer can come in many forms.
Asbestos was most commonly used as an insulator and many people were exposed it in the construction, shipbuilding and automotive industries until efforts were made in the 1970s and 1980s to curb its usage. Asbestosis is the first stage in the progression of dangerous medical conditions that may not appear in many patients until decades following asbestos exposure.
The asbestos fibers act as an abrasive, scouring cells in the lungs and larynx and causing scarring. This damage to cells can lead to mutations that can eventually cause cancer, even if it does not affect the pleural membrane that contains the lungs. One key difference between mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer is the delay of the conditions’ onset: mesothelioma can take 30 years to fully develop, while signs of other lung cancers can begin in as little as 10 years.
In either case, asbestos lawyers warn that smoking of cigarettes and cigars can significantly exacerbate the problem. Asbestos exposure and smoking increases the risk for cancer more so than either factor independently, and together make the diagnosis 50 times more likely, according to some medical research.
People who believe that they may face problems resulting from asbestos exposure can be proactive. While asbestos fibers are nearly impossible to detect via screening, doctors can monitor the resulting conditions such as tumor growth or scarring that can precede lung cancer. However, it is unclear whether or not there is a benefit beyond catching tumors early in their development versus permanent scarring.
In the first year, mortality rates for both cancers are the same, around 40 percent. Something of a silver lining for those who are not diagnosed with mesothelioma is that the 10-year survival rate for regular lung cancer is twice as high.
In general, asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.
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If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavity, you may be able to take legal action against the companies responsible. Don’t delay – in most states the statute of limitations is two years to file an asbestos lawsuit after you’re diagnosed. Obtain a free and confidential case evaluation be filling out the form below.
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My mother Sigridur Eyja Henderson & my father worked together their whole married life as professional jewelers, construction/demolition companies, dad worked building planes for Korean war, then began export corp. supplying Icelandic shipping & airlines. opening construction on LONG ISLAND BAHAMAS/ MIAMI HOTEL. Both suffered years of lung problems & serious illnesses. Dad died of pneumonia drowning in the fluids. Mom died of LUNG CANCER. Long years of being misdiagnosed while suffering lack of oxygen & spewing infection from their lungs.