Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers has been linked to mesothelioma (a cancer that affects the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen), lung cancer and several other forms of the cancer.

The link between asbestos and lung cancer has been known to scientists since at least 1925. Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, changes to or blood in the sputum, weight loss, tiredness and headaches.

One early sign of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is asbestosis, an inflammation of the lungs caused by the presence of asbestos fibers. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, one in seven individuals who develop asbestosis will later go on to develop lung cancer.

Exposure to asbestos has also been linked to mesothelioma. As with lung cancer, patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma often do not begin to show symptoms of the disease until decades after exposure. Although there are treatment options available for patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is currently no cure for the disease.

Symptoms of the mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, tiredness, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Because mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, individuals who have been exposed to asbestos may wish to speak with a doctor in order to rule out other conditions.

Asbestos exposure has also been linked to several other types of cancer, including kidney cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, gastrointestinal or stomach cancer and gallbladder cancer

While the manufacturers of asbestos products have known for decades about the link between cancer and asbestos exposure, restrictions on the use of asbestos did not begin in the U.S. until the 1970s. Because of the long latency period between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma or lung cancer, individuals who were exposed decades ago may only now be developing symptoms of one of these diseases.

Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos on the job or in their homes may be eligible for asbestos testing at no out of pocket expense. To speak with a lawyer about filing a lung cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit, contact the attorneys at Hissey Kientz, LLP to learn more about your legal rights. You can reach us by calling toll-free at 866-275-4454 or by filling out the free contact form on the right of this page.