When a person is exposed to asbestos they have an increased risk of developing two types of cancer: lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Many people think the two cancers are the same since both are linked to asbestos. However, mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the organs and not only can originate in the lungs but also the abdomen, heart, and chest.

Facts About Lung Cancer

Unsurprisingly, asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer. Lung cancer from asbestos is not the same type of cancer as mesothelioma, but it causes it in much the same way. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause mutations in the cells of the actual lung tissue. Asbestos lung cancer accounts for about 4% of all lung cancers.

Some key facts about lung cancer:

• The disease develops only in the lungs.
• It grows in individual masses with defined boundaries.
• Lung cancer is not necessarily caused by asbestos exposure but can also be attributed to tobacco use, second-hand smoke, or other environmental factors.
• It has a shorter latency period of 10 to 30 years after asbestos exposure or other carcinogens.

Facts About Mesothelioma

There are three major types of mesothelioma: pleural (affecting the lungs), peritoneal (abdominal cavity), or pericardial (cardiac cavity).

Some key facts about mesothelioma:

• Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles.
• It starts as tiny nodules that spread throughout the mesothelial lining, which then come together as a tumor to surround the organ.
• It is only caused by exposure to asbestos.
• Mesothelioma is not influenced by smoking.
• It can take up to 20 to 50 years to develop after initial asbestos exposure.
• It is more common in older men due to the latency period.

Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors that can determine how asbestos affects a person. They include the length of time they were exposed to asbestos and the actual concentration of the asbestos fibers.

While smoking or tobacco use can increase the likelihood of asbestos lung cancer, there is no direct correlation to the development of mesothelioma.

Some people are more at risk of developing asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma, especially those who are exposed to higher concentrations of asbestos for longer and more frequent time periods. Most cases of lung cancer from asbestos occur 15 or more years after initial exposure, while mesothelioma cases tend to occur 30 years or more after the first exposure.

One of the more significant risk factors that leads to mesothelioma or lung cancer from asbestos is a person’s occupation. In fact, close examination of mesothelioma victims indicate that the disease is far more prevalent among trade occupations that use asbestos. Typically military servicemen, construction workers and maintenance or shipyard workers are at a greater risk of cancer from asbestos.

If you or someone you love has suffered or died as result of lung cancer or mesothelioma, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.  An experienced asbestos lung cancer attorney can evaluate your case at no charge and advise you if filing an asbestos cancer lawsuit is right for you.