Research has long shown that asbestos exposure can lead to deadly lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Lung cancer and mesothelioma, though similar, are different diseases. Lung cancer is cancer in the lung. Mesothelioma is cancer in the lung lining. Asbestos has been known to cause cancer in both parts of the body.

Studies have shown that asbestos fibers are more likely to be lodged in the lung instead of the lining of the lungs, making the risk of developing asbestos lung cancer greater than mesothelioma.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Risks

Asbestos is dangerous because its effects can remain undetected in the body for a long period of time. Asbestos lung cancer may not be diagnosed until decades after initial asbestos exposure, typically taking between 30 and 35 years. 

This means an individual may not be aware of the source of their lung cancer or mesothelioma. Individuals who smoke have a higher chance of developing asbestos lung cancer, though it may be difficult or impossible to determine if it was the smoking or the asbestos exposure that caused the lung cancer.

At least 10 years must have passed between asbestos exposure and the development of lung cancer in order for it be considered asbestos lung cancer.

While companies have stopped using asbestos in new buildings and products, buildings built as late as 2000 may contain asbestos fibers and cause someone who lives/works in such a location to develop asbestos lung cancer.

Occupational asbestos exposure has been especially visible in the past several years. Individuals who have worked in shipyards, in construction, or in other similar fields are more likely to be exposed to this dangerous carcinogen. Many individuals have chosen to file asbestos lung cancer lawsuits against their employer for exposing them to asbestos without warning or protection even though it has been known to be dangerous for decades.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis

The Helsinki Criteria is used to determine if the lung cancer or mesothelioma was caused by asbestos. The criteria state that lung cancer must follow at least 10 years after initial exposure, that an individual be diagnosed with asbestosis (or at least have the ability to develop  asbestosis based on the amount of asbestos exposure), that they have a high amount of asbestos fibers, and that they have reached a particular threshold of asbestos exposure. Although the Helsinki Criteria has been criticized, it is largely used in the medical community.

Asbestos lung cancer may be deadly, but there are treatment options. The kind of cancer and the stage it is in has a large impact on the chances of survival.