Asbestos Can Cause Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer and Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
Not only are people who worked in an industrial setting at risk to develop asbestos related diseases, but their family members are also at risk. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the most common diseases caused by asbestos, but other cancers can result.
Mesothelioma Is Only Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that's only known cause is asbestos exposure. There are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Malignant mesothelioma involves cancerous tumors that develop most commonly in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but sometimes in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure has also been conclusively linked to lung cancer. It has been determined that the longer the exposure and the greater the amount of exposure, the higher the likelihood that asbestos caused the cancer. Although smoking and other factors also increase this risk, it is incorrect to believe that a cancer victim who has also been a smoker has no legal recourse. We have succeeded in litigation for asbestos-related disease victims who also smoked.
Other Types of Cancer May Also Result
Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can also cause other extremely serious forms of cancer including colon (colorectal) cancer and laryngeal or throat cancer. As with other asbestos-related diseases, it can take many years after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is not cancer, but a breathing disorder that results from inhaling asbestos fibers. The resulting scarring of the lungs makes breathing difficult. Scars known as pleural plaques, detectable by X-ray or CT scan, are the most common indicator of asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is often a precursor to the types of cancer described above, as well as heart problems and other lung damage. Anyone diagnosed with asbestosis should be closely monitored for development of mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Although we do not offer medical advice, we are dedicated attorneys able to understand your diagnosis and work to establish evidence that your development of mesothelioma or another disease is asbestos-related. Our focus is on offering productive legal guidance and building the best possible case for a financial recovery. To request a free consultation anywhere in the United States, please call or e-mail one of our lawyers today.
