Asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are two significant risks associated with asbestos exposure, which has been reported by numerous veterans and manufacturing retirees.

After asbestos fibers are inhaled, the possibility of asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma significantly increases and leaves patients at risk. While these conditions are both devastating, it is important to understand key differences between asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Overview of Asbestos Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Differences

Asbestos lung cancer is when asbestos fibers become directly embedded in the lungs. Mesothelioma develops in the membrane that lines the outside of the lungs. Both these conditions can develop for decades before they show any symptoms.

It is important to note that asbestos lung cancer is diagnosed in over 220,000 cases of lung cancer per year, while mesothelioma is much rarer at only 3,000 per year. In addition, smoking reportedly increases the risk of lung cancer and not mesothelioma, because the latter condition is specifically caused by asbestos exposure.

Due to the fact that asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are often diagnosed at later  stages, patients are left with limited treatment options. Often, patients have to undergo some form of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, with doctors prescribing different treatments depending on which disease is present.

Patients who are diagnosed with either asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma, often report coughing and chest pains to their doctors before undergoing X-rays and CT scans. Diagnostic imaging often shows asbestos lung cancer tumors are large and well defined masses, which are easier to treat.

However, mesothelioma tumors are much harder to treat, because small tumors appear throughout the lung’s mucus lining. It is important to note that respective specialists for either of these conditions is then recommended, to insure patients get the best treatment.

But even with the help of medical experts, asbestos lung cancer patients have a five year survival rate at 18% and mesothelioma patients also have a five year survival rate with a less than 10% rate. Patients should know that all forms of asbestos are associated with increased risk of asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma development.

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was commonly used before the 1980s for various construction and manufacturing purposes, with the United States Navy implementing the material for piping insulation for many of its ships. Not only was this material fire and chemical resistant, it was also considered very cheap at the time.

After it was discovered asbestos was linked to serious cancer risks, the federal government imposed strict regulations in preventing outbreak and conducting removal. Companies that manufactured asbestos material or had employees work in an asbestos environment, are required to provide preventive equipment and disclose this information to tenants or employees.

Companies that fail to do this, along with individuals who do not follow asbestos removal procedure instructions, may face potential legal repercussions. Patients who have developed asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma may be eligible for potential legal action.