As with exposure to many carcinogens, the risk of developing cancer is influenced by a number of factors relating to exposure. First, the amount of asbestos to which a person is exposed is an important factor. Evidence shows the likelihood of developing serious asbestos-related disease compounds as the number of asbestos fibers in the body increase.

Additionally, the duration of exposure may also play a role in the risk of developing cancer.


The Next Step

Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos at any time should consult a physician for a medical examination. Cancers caused by asbestos exposure may not present symptoms for many years or even decades after initial exposure, by which time it may be too late to seek curative treatments. In addition to contacting a medical professional, exploring legal options with the assistance of an asbestos lawyer may result in compensation from companies that knowingly manufactured asbestos-contaminated products.

Asbestos.com offers an informational packet on top doctors, treatments and legal options available to mesothelioma patients and their families. Click here to receive a complimentary packet overnight with additional information about asbestos-related cancers and financial assistance. Our patient and family advocates are also available to answer questions and offer guidance at no charge at 800-615-2270.

Sources:
http://www.asbestos.com/cancer/
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos
http://www.lungcancer.org/reading/types.php
http://www.lungcancer.org/reading/symptoms.php

Though mesothelioma may be the most commonly-associated cancer with asbestos exposure, the presence of asbestos fibers in the body can cause a number of other, very serious and life-threatening cancers, such as lung cancer (see below), gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer. Please see Gastrointestinal Cancer and Colorectal Cancer for information about these diseases.

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos exposure can also increase one's risk of developing kidney, throat, esophagus and gallbladder cancer. In addition to these cancers, asbestos has also been linked to breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, as well as leukemia and lymphomas.

Lung Cancer

Another dangerous cancer caused by asbestos exposure is lung cancer, of which there are two types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The latter is the most common type, accounting for nearly 80 percent of known cases. The identification of lung cancer is determined by the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope from a tissue sample.

Symptoms of lung cancer include:

- Coughing and chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Change in sputum volume or color
- Presence of blood in sputum
- Weight loss, tiredness and headaches

As with the development of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos, lung cancer symptoms appear many years after initial exposure to the hazardous mineral. Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any symptoms of lung cancer should seek the advice of a medical physician.