{"id":17725,"date":"2021-04-02T14:00:22","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T18:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=17725"},"modified":"2025-12-23T15:53:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:53:33","slug":"lung-cancer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos Lung Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Is Asbestos Lung Cancer?<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos lung cancer is a <strong>lung disease directly caused by exposure to asbestos,<\/strong> a deadly mineral used in a variety of products from the 1930s to the early 1980s, before the health risks were made public.<\/p>\n<p>People with this disease may have been exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways, such as at home, in the workplace, or while serving in the U.S. military. Because it can take decades for asbestos lung cancer to develop, victims may just now be getting diagnosed.<\/p>\n<p>If you know you were exposed to asbestos at some point in your life or suspect you were, you should be screened for asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19446\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19446\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19446 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/asbestos-fibers-300x184.jpg\" alt=\"Construction materials made with asbestos fibers\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/asbestos-fibers-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/asbestos-fibers.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19446\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Detailed view of asbestos fibers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Key Facts on Lung Cancer from Asbestos<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Causes:<\/strong> Breathing in or swallowing <a href=\"\/asbestos\/\">asbestos dust or fibers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Common symptoms:<\/strong> Chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic cough<\/li>\n<li><strong>Risk factors:<\/strong> Occupational or secondhand asbestos exposure, smoking, other lung diseases<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tests for diagnosis:<\/strong> Chest X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), biopsies, blood tests<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatments:<\/strong> Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, palliative therapy (symptom-relieving treatment)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Survival rate:<\/strong> 5-year survival rate of 18.6% for all types of lung cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Those who\u2019ve been impacted by lung cancer from asbestos may be eligible for compensation from asbestos product manufacturers. Get a <strong>Free Case Review<\/strong> now to learn more.<\/p>\n<div id=\"23977\" class=\"one-off-23977 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"23977\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-23977{margin:60px auto}.one-off-23977 a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit;display:block;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;margin:0 auto;max-width:695px}.one-off-23977 a>div{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0FAEBF 0,rgba(129,208,217,0) 100%);border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;max-width:335px;position:relative;margin:0 auto;box-shadow:0 1px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25)}.one-off-23977 .vque-content{margin-left:5px;background:#fff;padding:20px;padding-top:190px;border-radius:0 9px 10px 0}.one-off-23977 .heading{font-size:20px;line-height:26px;display:block;margin-bottom:13px}.one-off-23977 p:not(:last-child){margin-bottom:20px}.one-off-23977 .button{padding:13px 16px}.one-off-23977 .image-wrap{position:absolute;top:20px;left:25px;max-width:280px}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-23977 a>div{max-width:700px;margin:0}.one-off-23977 .vque-content{padding:25px;padding-right:355px}.one-off-23977 .heading{font-size:24px;line-height:33px}.one-off-23977 .image-wrap{max-width:318px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);right:20px;left:unset}}<\/style><a href=\"\/asbestos\/free-asbestos-case-review\/\" title=\"Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease<\/strong>\r\n       <p>You may be owed money if you became ill after asbestos exposure.<\/p>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get a Free Case Review\">Get a Free Case Review<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lawyers-talking-to-client.jpg\" alt=\"Free Case Review\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Asbestos Lung Cancer Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Symptoms of lung cancer associated with asbestos vary depending on the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient&#8217;s health, age, and other factors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common asbestos lung cancer symptoms include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Coughing up blood<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty recovering from respiratory infections<\/li>\n<li>Face and neck swelling<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Hoarseness<\/li>\n<li>Persistent cough<\/li>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Sudden loss of appetite<\/li>\n<li>Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Wheezing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<h2>How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer?<\/h2>\n<p>If someone is exposed to asbestos, the fibers or dust could get trapped in the lungs. Over time, this can cause genetic changes that lead to cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It can take 10-50 years<\/strong> to develop lung cancer from asbestos. This period of time is known as the latency period, and it\u2019s often the reason lung cancer and other <a href=\"\/asbestos\/related-diseases\/\">asbestos-related diseases<\/a> may be misdiagnosed or diagnosed in the later stages.<\/p>\n<p>While not everyone exposed to asbestos develops lung cancer, the risk is significantly higher for those who have had prolonged or intense exposure, especially if they also smoke.<\/p>\n<h3>Types of Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>People may encounter asbestos in various ways, from working with it to unknowingly being exposed to it in older homes, schools, and buildings or serving in the U.S. military.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some common ways people are exposed to asbestos:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/\"><strong>Occupational exposure:<\/strong><\/a> High-risk industries include shipbuilding, coal mining, construction, plumbing, and electrical work. Students and staff in older schools built with asbestos products may also be at risk of exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Military service exposure:<\/strong> Military personnel may have worked with asbestos because it was used in all five branches of the military \u2014 the U.S. Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard \u2014 as a fireproofing agent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Environmental exposure:<\/strong> People who lived in areas with high asbestos levels, such as cities or towns with known asbestos superfund sites, could have been exposed to it.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/exposure\/secondary\/\">Secondhand exposure<\/a>:<\/strong> Loved ones of people who worked with or around asbestos may have come in contact with asbestos on their family members\u2019 clothing or shoes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Financial Compensation for Lung Cancer Victims<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one has developed lung cancer from asbestos, you have three main options for seeking compensation. Read more details on your options below.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Asbestos Trust Funds<\/h3>\n<p>First, you may be able to get payments from <a href=\"\/legal\/asbestos-trust-funds\/\">asbestos trust funds<\/a>. These funds were established to help asbestos victims get compensation even after companies that manufactured asbestos products declared bankruptcy.<\/p>\n<p>Today, <strong>over $30 billion <\/strong>is set aside in asbestos trusts for patients diagnosed with lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. Many victims receive the first of multiple payouts <strong>in 90 days or less.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An asbestos lung cancer lawyer can help you or a loved one access some of this compensation by filing claims on your behalf. <strong>See if you qualify for trust fund payouts today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18460\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/access-asbestos-trust-funds\/\" title=\"Access Asbestos<br\/>Trust Funds\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Access Asbestos<br\/>Trust Funds Ad\"  data-mobile-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-couple.png\"data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-image.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"414\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-image.png\" class=\"no-lazyload wp-post-image\" alt=\"A lawyer shares documents with a client\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-image.png 414w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-image-294x300.png 294w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/trust-fund-image-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Access Asbestos<br\/>Trust Funds<\/strong><ul>\n<li>More than $30 billion available<\/li>\n<li>$300K-$400K average compensation<\/li>\n<li>Get money in 90 days or less<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Check If You Qualify\">Check If You Qualify<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>2. Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit<\/h3>\n<p>You can file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against any asbestos product manufacturers that don\u2019t have established trust funds. In an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, you can claim damages for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other costs related to your lung cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Nearly all asbestos lawsuits end in a settlement, which means you can potentially get compensation without setting foot in a courtroom. Some victims have received <strong>more than $1 million<\/strong> in asbestos lung cancer settlements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable lung cancer settlements secured by our legal partners include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>$1.6 million<\/strong> for a plumber whose wife also got lung cancer from secondhand exposure and passed away<\/li>\n<li><strong>$1 million <\/strong>for a New York master electrician<\/li>\n<li><strong>$912,000<\/strong> for a lung cancer patient in West Virginia<\/li>\n<li><strong>$825,000<\/strong> for an Arizona steel mill worker<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/asbestos\/free-asbestos-case-review\/\">Get a free case review today<\/a> with an asbestos lung cancer lawyer to see if you can pursue compensation from a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Veterans Benefits<\/h3>\n<p>From the 1930s to the early 1980s, the U.S. military used asbestos-containing products throughout its ships, vehicles, buildings, and other assets without knowing the health risks.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">Veterans benefits<\/a> are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to people who served in the military and later developed lung cancer or other diseases like mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of VA benefits include <strong>monthly disability payouts, free or reduced-cost medical treatment, and survivors pensions<\/strong> for spouses and children.<\/p>\n<h2>Asbestos Lung Cancer vs. Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos lung cancer is not the same as <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma cancer<\/a>. While both diseases are caused directly by asbestos exposure, they have distinct symptoms, prognoses, and survival rates.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are the main differences and similarities between lung cancer and mesothelioma:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Asbestos lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs; mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a>), abdomen (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/\">peritoneal mesothelioma<\/a>), heart (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pericardial\/\">pericardial mesothelioma<\/a>), or testicles (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/testicular\/\">testicular mesothelioma<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is 18.6%; mesothelioma has a 5-year survival rate of 10%.<\/li>\n<li>Mesothelioma and lung cancer have common symptoms of coughing, fatigue, and chest pain.<\/li>\n<li>Both cancers can be treated with tumor-removing surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.<\/li>\n<li>Malignant mesothelioma usually has small tumor nodules that spread throughout the body; lung cancer is typically marked by large tumor masses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Asbestos Lung Cancer Types<\/h2>\n<p>There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)<\/strong> is the most common type and accounts for up to 85% of all lung cancer cases. It responds better to lung cancer treatment than other types.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This type of cancer can be further broken down into three subtypes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Adenocarcinoma,<\/strong> or tumors that form in the glandular tissues lining the lung air sacs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Large cell carcinoma,<\/strong> or tumors that appear anywhere in the lung tissue<\/li>\n<li><strong>Squamous cell carcinoma,<\/strong> or tumors that form on the flat cells lining the lung airways<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)<\/strong> is the rarer type of lung cancer and the more difficult type to treat.<\/p>\n<h2>Risk Factors for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer<\/h2>\n<p>Several factors can increase your chances of getting lung cancer from asbestos. These factors include how much asbestos you were exposed to, how often you were exposed, and for how long.<\/p>\n<p>Other environmental and individual factors can increase or decrease this risk. For example, non-smokers exposed to asbestos have a lower risk of lung cancer than people who smoke.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Factors that put you at increased risk of lung cancer include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family history of lung cancer or lung disease<\/li>\n<li>Radon gas exposure<\/li>\n<li>Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure<\/li>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Factors that put you at increased risk of asbestos-related diseases include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being exposed to asbestos products for a long period of time<\/li>\n<li>Being exposed to large amounts of asbestos<\/li>\n<li>Having lung disease<\/li>\n<li>History of smoking<\/li>\n<li>Repeat exposure to asbestos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While asbestos exposure alone can cause lung cancer, having any of these other factors may increase your risk of developing the disease.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve received a diagnosis of asbestos lung cancer, Mesothelioma Hope can help you pursue compensation for treatment and other expenses. Get a <strong>Free Asbestos Case Review<\/strong> now to see if you qualify.<\/p>\n<div id=\"23977\" class=\"one-off-23977 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"23977\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-23977{margin:60px auto}.one-off-23977 a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit;display:block;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;margin:0 auto;max-width:695px}.one-off-23977 a>div{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0FAEBF 0,rgba(129,208,217,0) 100%);border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;max-width:335px;position:relative;margin:0 auto;box-shadow:0 1px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25)}.one-off-23977 .vque-content{margin-left:5px;background:#fff;padding:20px;padding-top:190px;border-radius:0 9px 10px 0}.one-off-23977 .heading{font-size:20px;line-height:26px;display:block;margin-bottom:13px}.one-off-23977 p:not(:last-child){margin-bottom:20px}.one-off-23977 .button{padding:13px 16px}.one-off-23977 .image-wrap{position:absolute;top:20px;left:25px;max-width:280px}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-23977 a>div{max-width:700px;margin:0}.one-off-23977 .vque-content{padding:25px;padding-right:355px}.one-off-23977 .heading{font-size:24px;line-height:33px}.one-off-23977 .image-wrap{max-width:318px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);right:20px;left:unset}}<\/style><a href=\"\/asbestos\/free-asbestos-case-review\/\" title=\"Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease<\/strong>\r\n       <p>You may be owed money if you became ill after asbestos exposure.<\/p>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get a Free Case Review\">Get a Free Case Review<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lawyers-talking-to-client.jpg\" alt=\"Free Case Review\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Smoking and the Risk of Asbestos Lung Cancer<\/h3>\n<p>Smoking and asbestos exposure can have a synergistic (mutual) effect in causing lung cancer. Both smoking and asbestos exposure are well-established independent risk factors for lung cancer, and when combined, their harmful effects can be amplified.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cMany studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing lung cancer that is greater than the individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together.&#8221;<br \/>\n<strong>\u2013 American Cancer Society<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Smoking introduces harmful substances into the lungs, leading to additional damage. When an individual is exposed to both asbestos and tobacco smoke, the risk of developing lung cancer is significantly higher.<\/p>\n<h3>Is Asbestosis a Risk Factor for Lung Cancer?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/asbestosis\/\">Asbestosis<\/a> is a chronic lung condition caused by scarring of the lungs. Its only known cause is asbestos.<\/p>\n<p>While asbestosis can damage and weaken the lungs, it is not considered a direct risk factor for lung cancer.<\/p>\n<p>However, people with non-cancerous lung conditions, like asbestosis, <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/pleural-plaque\/\">pleural plaques<\/a> (fluid buildup in the lungs), or pleural thickening, may develop lung cancer later on.<\/p>\n<p>This is not because these conditions put them at risk but because they have asbestos within their bodies already. Rather, asbestos may cause further damage to an area of the body that develops into cancer over time.<\/p>\n<h2>Diagnosing Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos<\/h2>\n<p>There are a number of ways to help confirm a lung cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tests used to diagnose lung cancer from asbestos include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Biopsy: <\/strong>This involves taking a small sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area and sending the sample for testing in a lab. A biopsy is the only way to confirm an asbestos lung cancer diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chest X-rays:<\/strong> These scans are taken to look for abnormal areas in the lungs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Computed tomography (CT) scans:<\/strong> With a CT scan, cross-sectional images will be taken for a more detailed look at the lungs. These scans are more likely to show tumors than X-rays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lung cancer screening:<\/strong> Screening is done when symptoms are not present and is often based on exposure history, family history, or other risk factors. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans combine X-rays and low-dose radiation to produce detailed lung images.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):<\/strong> MRIs combine radio waves and magnets to show detailed images of the body and can reveal the spread of lung cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Physical exams:<\/strong> Your doctor can listen to your lungs and ask you questions about your work history to determine if you need testing for this cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Positron emission tomography (PET) scan:<\/strong> During this test, the body is injected with radioactive sugar. Because cancer cells are more active, they soak up this sugar. Then a special machine takes pictures to show where the sugar went, helping doctors see and track cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The Risk of Misdiagnosis<\/h3>\n<p>In the early stages of this cancer, you may have vague symptoms that mimic more common illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.<\/p>\n<p>If lung cancer from asbestos is misdiagnosed, this can waste precious time in developing an effective treatment plan and aggressively treating the disease.<\/p>\n<p>You should always <strong>ask your doctor for a diagnosis or second opinion<\/strong> if you\u2019re unsure whether you may have been exposed to asbestos.<\/p>\n<h2>Stages of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer<\/h2>\n<p>Lung cancer stages help doctors determine the spread of the cancer, the likelihood of your body\u2019s response to treatment, and other factors related to your prognosis (overall health outlook).<\/p>\n<p>NSCLC has five stages (0-4) based on the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The TNM system breaks down NSCLC into the following stages:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stage 0:<\/strong> Early-stage lung cancer, has not spread; no symptoms<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage 1:<\/strong> Early-stage lung cancer, either in substage 1A or 1B; mild or no symptoms<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage 2:<\/strong> Tumors may be larger than in stage 1 and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage 3:<\/strong> Tumors may have grown and may have spread to lymph nodes in the area between the lungs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage 4:<\/strong> Metastasis; advanced-stage lung cancer that has spread to distant organs and lymph nodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>SCLC has only two stages: limited and extensive. Limited-stage SCLC is confined to one lung and has not spread. Extensive-stage SCLC has spread and may have reached organs other than the lungs.<\/p>\n<h2>Asbestos Lung Cancer Prognosis<\/h2>\n<p>A prognosis is the medical term for the likely outcome of a disease or how it is predicted to develop over time. The lung cancer prognosis for each individual tries to account for how the person will be affected by the disease, from the symptoms they may experience to their quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>In general, the prognosis for lung cancer from asbestos is fairly poor. However, the prognosis is affected by individual factors. For example, people who are diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer and are generally in overall good health or who are younger may have a better prognosis. People with late-stage lung cancer tend to have a poorer prognosis.<\/p>\n<p>Treatment from a qualified oncologist (cancer doctor) is the best way to improve your asbestos lung cancer prognosis.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Pretty much every cancer in the chest is a high-mortality cancer \u2014 so esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These are diseases that are hard to treat, but <strong>we can treat them with a combination of modalities<\/strong>.&#8221;<br \/>\n\u2013 Dr. Zaid Abdelsattar, thoracic surgeon at Loyola University Chicago<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Asbestos Lung Cancer Survival Rate &amp; Life Expectancy<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Survival rates <\/strong>for asbestos lung cancer are used to measure the percentage of patients who are alive after a certain period of time. Survival rates are generally provided in 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year increments.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The 5-year relative survival rate for all types of lung cancer is 18.6%.<\/li>\n<li>The 5-year survival rate for NSCLC (most types of asbestos lung cancer) is 28%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/life-expectancy\/\"><strong>Life expectancy<\/strong><\/a> is how long people typically live after their lung cancer diagnosis. This number is affected by a range of factors, including the type of lung cancer they have, the stage at diagnosis, and the patient\u2019s age and overall health.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Patients with NSCLC have an average life expectancy of <strong>11-13 months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Patients with SCLC have an average life expectancy of <strong>7-16 months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Treatment Options for Asbestos Lung Cancer<\/h2>\n<p>Treatments for lung cancer from asbestos include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Which treatments will be used can vary based on the patient\u2019s cancer stage, tumor size, tumor location, and lung cancer type.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about the most common treatments for lung cancer below.<\/p>\n<h3>Surgery<\/h3>\n<p>Surgery is most effective for patients in earlier stages whose asbestos lung cancer has not metastasized (spread) to other areas of the body. Lung cancer surgery typically involves removing all or part of the affected lung.<\/p>\n<p><strong>There are generally two types of surgeries for lung cancer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Minimally invasive surgery,<\/strong> which involves making tiny incisions to the chest and performing the surgery with help from a tiny camera and specialized instruments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thoracotomy,<\/strong> which involves an incision along the side of the ribs, dividing muscles in the chest wall, spreading the ribs, and removing the diseased part of the lung.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n<p>Chemotherapy, or chemo, uses specialized prescription drugs to treat lung cancer. This can be done before, during, or after surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Chemo can help shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. It may also be used in combination with immunotherapy and radiation therapy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Current asbestos lung cancer chemotherapy medications include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Carboplatin<\/li>\n<li>Cisplatin<\/li>\n<li>Docetaxel<\/li>\n<li>Paclitaxel<\/li>\n<li>Pemetrexed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Immunotherapy<\/h3>\n<p>Immunotherapy helps boost the immune system so it can naturally attack existing cancer cells and fend off new cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Types of immunotherapy used for asbestos lung cancer include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Adoptive T-cell therapy<\/li>\n<li>Cancer vaccines<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/checkpoint-inhibitors\/\">Immune checkpoint inhibitors<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Radiation Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams like X-rays to attack cancer cells, stop their growth, and kill them. It can be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.<\/p>\n<p>Radiation may be used to help treat lung cancer from asbestos or to manage its symptoms.<\/p>\n<h3>Palliative Care<\/h3>\n<p>For advanced-stage lung cancer, treatment will likely not focus on helping patients live longer but on making them more comfortable and improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>This is known as palliative care. It can include holistic treatments, pain medication, and other treatments for symptom management.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Justice for Asbestos Lung Cancer<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer, reach out to Mesothelioma Hope now.<\/p>\n<p>Our team has <strong>over 25 years of experience <\/strong>helping victims of asbestos exposure, including people facing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos diseases.<\/p>\n<p>We can help you find a top <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/mesothelioma-lawyer\/\">asbestos lawyer<\/a> who can help your family recover compensation that you can use for treatment, daily living expenses, and anything else you see fit.<\/p>\n<p>Reach out today at <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> to get started or <a href=\"\/asbestos\/free-asbestos-case-review\/\">request a free case review <\/a>with an asbestos lung cancer lawyer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Asbestos and Lung Cancer FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you get lung cancer from asbestos?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes, <\/strong>exposure to asbestos is a known cause of lung cancer. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in various industries for its heat-resistant properties.<\/p>\n<p>When asbestos fibers are released into the air and breathed in or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. This chronic irritation and damage increases the risk of lung cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How likely is it to get lung cancer from asbestos?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for people who breathe in large amounts of asbestos fibers over time. The more you are exposed to asbestos, the more likely you are to get sick.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Smoking and asbestos exposure combined make the risk even higher.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are the signs of asbestos cancer?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos cancer can have subtle symptoms that often don&#8217;t appear until many years after exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some common signs include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chest or abdominal pain<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Hoarseness<\/li>\n<li>Irregular heartbeat<\/li>\n<li>Loss of appetite<\/li>\n<li>Repeated respiratory infections<\/li>\n<li>Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Wheezing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the life expectancy of asbestos lung cancer?<\/h3><div><p>Life expectancy for early-stage asbestos lung cancer patients is<strong> 57 months on average.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The average stage 4 life expectancy can be as little as 5 months. This is why it\u2019s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis or second opinion as soon as you begin noticing symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you get compensation for lung cancer caused by asbestos?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes,<\/strong> you may have options to seek compensation if you developed lung cancer from asbestos.<\/p>\n<p>You can file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against the <a href=\"\/asbestos\/companies\/\">asbestos companies<\/a> responsible for the exposure, access trust funds set up by bankrupt manufacturers, or file for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).<\/p>\n<p>Call our team of legal advocates at <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> right now to discuss your options.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What type of lung cancer is caused by asbestos?<\/h3><div><p>The two main types of lung cancer from asbestos are <strong>small cell lung cancer<\/strong> (SCLC) and<strong> non-small cell lung cancer<\/strong> (NSCLC).<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been exposed to asbestos \u2014 even if it was decades ago \u2014 you should seek medical advice and get regular cancer screenings for early detection and management.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"7\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How easy is it to get lung cancer from asbestos?<\/h3><div><p>The chances of developing lung cancer after asbestos exposure depend on several factors, such as the length and level of your exposure, whether you smoke, and your body\u2019s response to the fibers.<\/p>\n<p>Not everyone who works or lives around asbestos gets lung cancer, but the risk is higher if you were exposed over a long period. Studies suggest that higher levels of asbestos exposure over extended periods increase the likelihood of lung cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can you get lung cancer from asbestos?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes, &lt;\/strong&gt;exposure to asbestos is a known cause of lung cancer. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in various industries for its heat-resistant properties.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;When asbestos fibers are released into the air and breathed in or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. This chronic irritation and damage increases the risk of lung cancer.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"How likely is it to get lung cancer from asbestos?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for people who breathe in large amounts of asbestos fibers over time. 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Studies suggest that higher levels of asbestos exposure over extended periods increase the likelihood of lung cancer.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Asbestos Lung Cancer? Asbestos lung cancer is a lung disease directly caused by exposure to asbestos, a deadly mineral used in a variety of products from the 1930s to the early 1980s, before the health risks were made public. People with this disease may have been exposed to asbestos in a variety of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":1152,"parent":17722,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17725","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17725\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}