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, a change in sputum volume or color, or the presence of blood in sputum. Other symptoms may occur such as 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.