Lung Cancer Asbestos Lawyers

Nearly 150,000 Americans succumb to lung cancer from asbestos every year. The vast majority of patients develop lung cancer as a result of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke. However, thousands of people develop lung cancer each year as a result of toxic exposure to substances such as asbestos.

Types of Lung Cancer from Asbestos

There are two types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of lung cancer diagnoses in the United States. This form of lung cancer is slow-spreading, and can present in one of 3 varieties: adenocarcinoma, large cell lung cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer tends to remain isolated in the lungs.

Small cell lung cancer is less common than non-small cell lung cancer, but it is far more aggressive and can quickly metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. Treatment is possible if these types of cancer are diagnosed early.
Other, less common types of lung cancer include bronchioalveolar carcinoma, silicosis, and carcinoid tumor lung cancer.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer from Asbestos

While many people refer to mesothelioma cancer as a lung cancer, it is technically distinct from lung cancer. While in many cases mesothelioma affects the respiratory area, it attacks the lining of the lungs (pleura), and not the lungs themselves. Mesothelioma can also originate in other areas of the body. As such, it is not categorized as a lung cancer. Lung cancer always begins in the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.

Though there are some marked differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer, patients with these types of cancer often exhibit similar symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry, raspy cough. Additionally, many of the same treatments are used to combat them. Chemotherapy and radiation are both viable treatment options for many mesothelioma and lung cancer patients. With both diseases, surgery is generally not well-responded to unless the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. There are also a number of clinical trials and new drugs that may be useful in the treatment of both lung cancer and mesothelioma, such as Navelbine, Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, and Alimta®.

Smoking and Lung Cancer

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, seconded by exposure to second-hand smoke. Studies show that smoking cigarettes in combination with asbestos exposure increases a person’s likelihood of developing lung cancer significantly.

Contact a Lung Cancer Lawyer

Lung cancer from asbestos is a devastating disease that takes its toll not only on victims but also on their families and loved ones. If the cause of this cancer was toxic exposure, the patient and/or his or her survivors may be able to collect compensation for damages.

If you or someone you love has contracted lung cancer or mesothelioma as a result of toxic asbestos exposure, a lung cancer lawyer from Shrader & Associates, LLP can help guide you through the legal process and pursue justice on your behalf.

In toxic asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lawsuit claims, a statute of limitations may limit the amount of time a defendant has to file a claim. Contact us today.