What Types of Cancers Are Caused by Asbestos?
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Asbestos cancer refers to cancers from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. These deadly fibers can enter the body when disturbed. If inhaled or ingested, they become trapped in the lungs, abdomen, or other organs.
Over time, this exposure can lead to various cancers. Asbestos can cause fatal cancers that take years to develop. So, early detection and legal action are crucial. Learning about your legal options and asbestos settlement can help you protect your rights.
What is Asbestos, and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of minerals. They occur naturally. They have flexible and durable fibers. Businesses used it for many years in construction materials, insulation, and other products. Companies valued it for its heat resistance and strength.
But, prolonged exposure to asbestos causes several deadly diseases, especially cancers. Disturbing asbestos can lead to airborne fibers. Inhaling or swallowing them can embed them in the body’s tissues. This can cause inflammation and cell damage.
Asbestos exposure is hazardous. Its effects take decades to appear. So, it is hard to spot and reduce risks early. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs or abdomen. They cause chronic irritation. This irritation can, over time, cause scarring and genetic damage.
It can also cause cancers, like mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. Workers in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing faced the highest risks. Unfortunately, many companies did not warn employees about these dangers. This led to health crises and lawsuits against negligent parties, including the asbestos class action lawsuit.
Asbestos-Related Cancers
Asbestos exposure causes several cancers. Many are deadly and hard to diagnose early. Asbestos-related cancers often have similar symptoms. They include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Below are some of the most common cancers caused by asbestos exposure:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a well-known, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. It occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Doctors call these pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma, respectively. Mesothelioma is rare but devastating. Symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure. The cancer is hard to treat and has a poor prognosis. So, early diagnosis is essential.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is another cancer linked to asbestos, especially in smokers exposed to it. Asbestos fibers can damage lung tissue. This can cause tumors. Lung cancer symptoms, like a cough and chest pain, are often like those of other asbestos-related diseases. This can complicate early diagnosis.
Ovarian Cancer
Asbestos exposure increases the risk of ovarian cancer. It’s especially true for women in asbestos-using industries, like textile and construction. Inhaling the fibers or contact with the genitals can cause ovarian cancer years later. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. They are often confused with other common conditions.
Laryngeal Cancer
Researchers link laryngeal cancer, or voice box cancer, to asbestos. This is especially true for construction and shipbuilding workers. The symptoms can include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent cough. Patients need to undergo physical exams and imaging tests for laryngeal cancer diagnosis.
Colorectal Cancer
Some studies suggest a link between asbestos fibers and colorectal cancer. They are less commonly associated with asbestos exposure. You can inhale or ingest airborne asbestos fibers. They can then travel through the digestive system, causing tumors in the colon or rectum. Symptoms include changes in bowel movements, blood in stools, and unexplained weight loss.
Pharyngeal Cancer
Asbestos exposure can also link to pharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat. Like other asbestos-related cancers, it often takes years to develop after exposure. Its early stages are hard to diagnose. Pharyngeal cancer symptoms include a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and a neck lump.
How to Recognize Asbestos Cancer
Early detection of asbestos cancer is vital. It improves the odds of effective treatment and survival. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer and its location. Asbestos cancer often causes a cough, chest pain, and fatigue. It also causes shortness of breath and weight loss.
Asbestos symptoms often mimic other respiratory conditions. This makes them hard to identify without proper tests. If asbestos exposure has occurred and you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Asbestos cancer symptoms may take decades to appear after exposure. Doctors recommend regular checkups for those exposed to asbestos. Imaging tests, like X-rays and CT scans, can detect early cancers. They can help doctors find them before they advance. Asbestos cancer is often diagnosed late. So, many individuals have a poor prognosis.
Legal Action and Seeking Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has asbestos cancer, you may be eligible for compensation for costs like medical bills, lost wages, and pain. Legal action against the firms that exposed workers to asbestos can help victims. It can help them seek justice. Asbestos lawsuits often settle. This can help victims and their families.
A Navy asbestos settlement claim can cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain.
Asbestos Lawsuits
An asbestos lawsuit lets individuals hold companies accountable for exposing people to asbestos. These lawsuits often involve complex legal processes. But, an experienced asbestos attorney can help victims navigate the system. Legal options include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and asbestos class actions. In some cases, workers’ compensation laws may also cover asbestos-related diseases.
If you have an asbestos-related cancer, you may wonder, “Can I sue for asbestos exposure?” The answer is often yes. You can sue if you prove your illness is due to asbestos exposure at work or from using a product. Asbestos lawyers can help you assess your case and guide you through filing a lawsuit.
In some cases, victims of asbestos exposure can join a class action lawsuit. It lets many with similar claims pursue compensation together. These lawsuits can be good. They pool resources and share costs. However, it is important to work with an experienced asbestos attorney. They can determine if a class action is the best option for you.
Let Law Karma Help With a Free Case Review
At Law Karma, we know the pain of an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis. If you or a loved one has asbestos cancer, we can help. We’ll find the best lawyers for asbestos lawsuits. They will seek justice and compensation for asbestos exposure.
We offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options. Contact Law Karma today. Take the first step. Get the compensation you deserve for your asbestos-related illness.
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Don’t let asbestos harm your health and well-being. Let Lawkarma connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in asbestos lawsuits.