Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common form of lung cancer, and though it is typically caused by smoking, there are other major risk factors that aren’t as well known.

It’s also the most common type of lung cancer found in nonsmokers, women, and people under the age of 45.

What Is Adenocarcinoma of the Lung?

Adenocarcinoma, according to the American Cancer Society, is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that accounts for about 40 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses, and about half of non-small cell lung cancers. These cancers grow in cells that line the inside of one of the organs and is typically found in the outer areas of the lung. Other common locations include the colon, breasts, esophagus, pancreas, or prostate.

Adenocarcinoma is more slow-growing than many other cancers, and this gives it a better chance of being found before it has spread, according to WebMD.

The longer it takes to diagnose adenocarcinoma of the lung and begin treatment, the more difficult to treat the cancer becomes. Because of this, it is important to keep an eye out for early signs of lung cancer, especially if you know you’ve been exposed to potential carcinogens.

According to healthline.com, early symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• Lingering or worsening cough
• Coughing up phlegm or blood
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply, laughing, or coughing
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Treatment for adenocarcinoma can vary depending on the patient’s specific needs, but can include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

What Causes Adenocarcinoma?

Approximately 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and more Americans die from this lung cancer than from any other type of cancer, nearly double the rate at which people die from breast cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

It is likely no surprise that the most common cause of adenocarcinoma is smoking—indeed, about 90 percent of lung cancer cases are directly tied to smoking. However, there are many other significant factors that can contribute to your risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the lung. These include secondhand inhalation of tobacco smoke from cigarette, cigar, and pipe fumes; radon gas exposure; asbestos exposure; and other cancer-causing agents.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that has traditionally been used in a number of building and manufacturing products, including insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, and brake linings for automobiles. Unfortunately, asbestos is also now considered a carcinogen—a substance capable of causing cancer — according to WebMD.

Although asbestos products that are in good shape may not pose much of a threat to people, once asbestos products break or degrade, the fibrous mineral may crumble and release microscopic particles into the air. These particles may be inhaled, where they settle in the lungs or the mesothelium. Over time, the body’s response to these irritating particles may cause inflammation and scar tissue, which can turn into cancer. The types of cancer caused by asbestos may take years or decades to develop, making it difficult for some victims to pinpoint how or when they were exposed.

In many cases, people may be unknowingly exposed to asbestos on the job, such as in construction.

Other occupations that may place people at risk of exposure include shipyard or railroad work, electrical work, auto mechanic work, plumbing, insulation work, or firefighting. Additionally, many people are at risk of second hand asbestos exposure. If people working in high-risk occupations do not wear protective gear, or fail to change clothes and shower before leaving work, these tiny particles may stick to clothing, skin, or hair, and be brought home where spouses and children may inhale them. Second hand asbestos exposure may be just as dangerous as first hand exposure.

People may also be exposed to asbestos through contaminated talc. Talc is another mineral that is often found in common household items, including baby powder and cosmetics. However, as talc is frequently mined in close proximity to asbestos, the carcinogen may contaminate talc products and be unknowingly inhaled or ingested by consumers.

Many old buildings also contain asbestos in tiling, roofing, or insulation. People who go to school in old buildings or work in old office buildings may be exposed to the carcinogen. Others may even live in buildings with asbestos-containing materials that, as they deteriorate over time, can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air and increase the person’s cancer risk. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is not the only type of cancer linked with exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also attributed to asbestos exposure.

Can I File an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?

A growing number of cancer patients are turning to litigation, alleging that they were diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to asbestos. Some allege they were exposed on the job, others in the home, and still others through secondhand exposure after family members brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing. So far, asbestos lung cancer victims and family members have been awarded millions of dollars in compensation through jury awards and settlements alike.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung or another type of lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Pursuing litigation can be daunting, especially after a cancer diagnosis, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.