Workers who have been employed in certain industries over the years may have been exposed harmfully and unnecessarily to asbestos. Many of these workers have developed mesothelioma or asbestos small cell lung cancer, both deadly diseases.

Small cell lung cancer is a quickly-growing type of lung cancer that is often brought on by smoking. It can also develop because of asbestos exposure. This aggressive form of cancer can spread through the body quickly while creating large tumors.

It is rare, but it can happen in individuals who are exposed to asbestos over their lifetime.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, stomach, heart or other organs. It can be brought on by asbestos inhalation.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth. It has been mined commercially since the 1800s in the United States for its insulation and fire retardant properties.

Beginning in the 1980s, the use and mining of asbestos became regulated as it had been classified as a human carcinogen. However, many industries still employ asbestos products and many older buildings still contain asbestos building components.

If left undisturbed, asbestos is thought not to be dangerous. But when asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air, those who breathe them in can be at risk for mesothelioma and asbestos small cell lung cancer.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs, they cannot be exhaled. Over time and with consistent and long-term asbestos exposure, these fibers can cause inflammation in the lungs and in the lining of the lungs and other organs.

Because of this, long-term asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and asbestos small cell lung cancer. Over time, the inflammation from the lodged asbestos fibers can create cancerous tumors in and around the lungs.

Many who develop asbestos small cell lung cancer do so because of occupational exposure. Some industries have a greater risk of asbestos exposure. These workers include auto mechanics, construction workers, plumbers, roofers and those who work in the railroad or shipping industries.

Symptoms of Asbestos Small Cell Lung Cancer

Like most asbestos-related cancers, there is a long latency period. This means that cancer may not develop for many years after exposure.

Asbestos small cell lung cancer originates in the bronchi near the center of the chest. According to Asbestos.com, it can spread throughout the body before it is even diagnosed.

There are fewer treatment options for those patients who develop asbestos small cell lung cancer and it makes up less than 20% of lung cancer cases. With asbestos small cell lung cancer, there is a shorter life expectancy than other lung cancers and 6% of patients survive past five years.

Symptoms of this type of cancer may include a bloody cough, bloody phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the bones of the chest, fatigue and weight loss.

If you or someone you love has suffered from asbestos small cell lung cancer or asbestos mesothelioma you may benefit from speaking to an experienced attorney. While monetary compensation may not take away the pain and suffering from asbestos small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma, it may help to alleviate the costs of medical procedures or lost wages.