ASBESTOS-RELATED LUNG CANCER
ASBESTOS EXPOSURE & LUNG CANCER
Exposure to asbestos is a known cause of lung cancer. Unlike mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura), lung cancer originates inside the lung tissue itself. Over time, asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage that can lead to tumor formation.
TYPES OF LUNG CANCER
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Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC): A fast-growing and aggressive form of lung cancer that is strongly associated with smoking and occupational exposures.
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Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC): The more common type, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. This category includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience the following:
Persistent cough, sometimes with blood (hemoptysis)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Chest pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Hoarseness or wheezing
ASBESTOS & LUNG CANCER RISK
Both asbestos exposure and tobacco smoking independently increase the risk of lung cancer. However, their combination has a synergistic effect, meaning the risk is multiplicatively higher than the sum of both individual risks.
Non-smokers exposed to asbestos have a 5-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers exposed to asbestos have up to a 40-50 times greater risk compared to those who neither smoke nor are exposed to asbestos.
This drastic increase occurs because asbestos fibers damage lung cells, making them more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke. As a result, individuals with both risk factors require regular medical screenings to detect lung cancer as early as possible.
LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Early detection is key to improving lung cancer treatment outcomes. Because lung cancer symptoms often develop gradually, diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, laboratory analysis, and biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage.
Doctors often begin with imaging studies to detect abnormalities in the lungs and assess whether cancer may have spread. Common imaging tests include:
Imaging Tests
Chest X-ray: Often the first test performed, X-rays can reveal masses, fluid buildup, or lung abnormalities. However, further testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A detailed 3D scan that provides cross-sectional images of the lungs. CT scans are highly effective in detecting small tumors that may not be visible on an X-ray.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: A PET scan helps determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body by identifying areas of high metabolic activity, a characteristic of cancer cells.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used in specific cases, MRIs can help detect if lung cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord.
Sputum Cytology
If a patient has a persistent cough with mucus (sputum), doctors may examine a sample under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. This test is non-invasive and can help detect lung cancer in its early stages.
Biopsy Procedures
A biopsy is the only way to confirm lung cancer with certainty. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the lung or surrounding lymph nodes for examination. Several biopsy techniques may be used:
Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the airways and collect tissue samples.
Needle Biopsy (Fine-Needle Aspiration or Core Biopsy): A needle is inserted through the chest wall to extract lung tissue. This is often done with CT or ultrasound guidance.
Thoracentesis: If fluid has accumulated around the lungs (pleural effusion), a doctor may extract and analyze the fluid to check for cancer cells.
Mediastinoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small incision is made at the base of the neck to examine lymph nodes and determine if cancer has spread.
Surgical Biopsy (Thoracotomy or VATS - Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery): In some cases, a larger tissue sample is needed, and doctors may perform surgery to remove part of a lung for more detailed analysis.
Genetic & Molecular Testing
For patients diagnosed with lung cancer, additional genetic testing of the tumor may be conducted to identify specific mutations (such as EGFR, ALK, KRAS) that can help guide targeted therapy. These personalized treatment options may improve outcomes for certain patients.
STAGING LUNG CANCER
Once lung cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its stage, which helps guide treatment decisions:
Stage 1
Cancer is localized in the lungs and has not spread.
Stage 2
Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread further into the lymph nodes and surrounding structures.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs such as the liver, bones, or brain.
The Importance of Early Screening
For individuals at high risk—especially veterans, former shipyard workers, and those with a history of asbestos exposure—doctors may recommend low-dose CT (LDCT) scans as a screening tool. Regular screenings can detect lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advances in treatment have provided many options to help manage the disease and improve quality of life. The best approach depends on the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as an individual’s overall health.
Surgery
In some cases, doctors may recommend removing part of the lung (lobectomy) or, in more advanced cases, an entire lung (pneumonectomy). Surgery is most effective when the cancer is detected early.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
A systemic treatment that helps slow the growth of cancer cells or eliminate them. It is often used when cancer has spread beyond the lungs.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
These newer treatments help the body fight cancer at the molecular level. Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic mutations, while immunotherapy strengthens the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
LUNG CANCER AND VETERANS
Many U.S. military veterans, including those who served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, were exposed to asbestos during their service. This exposure commonly occurred in ships, barracks, aircraft, military bases, and vehicle maintenance facilities, where asbestos was widely used for insulation and fireproofing. Decades later, many veterans have developed lung cancer as a result of their exposure. Veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer who were exposed to asbestos while serving may qualify for VA benefits and legal compensation to help cover medical costs, lost wages and secure financial support.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure during military service, we are here to help. Our team specializes in assisting veterans and their families in securing the compensation and benefits they deserve.
ASBESTOSIS
Asbestosis is a signature disease caused by scarring of the inside of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It usually occurs after long-term exposure and the symptoms include shortness of breath and restrictive lung disease. Asbestosis is not cancer, however, it can be extremely disabling and, in severe cases, fatal. People with extensive and prolonged exposure such as aboard Naval vessels, in shipyards and military bases, are at an increased risk of developing asbestosis in the future.
