When people hear “asbestos cancer,” they usually think of the incurable cancer known as mesothelioma. Exposure to toxic asbestos fibers can indeed cause mesothelioma, but other forms of cancer can arise from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos cancers primarily refer to diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in railroad, construction, insulation, and other industries, is composed of microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. These fibers embed in the body’s tissues, particularly in the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining, causing inflammation, scarring, and, over time, cellular mutations leading to cancer.
The most commonly known of asbestos cancers is mesothelioma. While it is true that exposure to toxic asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, there are also other forms of cancer that can arise from asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos cancer, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with one of our dedicated Virginia Beach asbestos lawyers to find out what legal recourse you may have.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the protective lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or, in rare cases, the heart or testes. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal swelling, fatigue, and weight loss. Due to its long latency period, often spanning 20-50 years, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, complicating treatment.
Other Asbestos-Related Cancers
The Institute of Medicine is the non-partisan health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, established in 1863 and was mandated by the U.S. Congress to report on whether a variety of cancer types were medically caused by asbestos exposure. The IOM issued a report entitled “Asbestos: Selected Cancers” in 2006. Of the five human body sites considered (besides mesothelioma and lung cancers), the committee found the evidence to be sufficient to infer a causal relationship between asbestos exposure and laryngeal, pharyngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers. Epidemiologic evidence has already established with certainty that asbestos is a human carcinogen.
Larynx Cancer
The larynx, commonly known as the voice box (or Adam’s apple), is above the trachea and below the pharynx. The American Cancer Society has estimated that about 9,510 new cases of and 3,740 deaths from cancer of the larynx. A government expert panel added larynx cancer to the list of ailments directly linked to asbestos exposure. Results from multiple studies showed that people exposed to asbestos had a 40 percent greater risk of developing laryngeal cancer than those who had no asbestos exposure. People with high exposure to asbestos had up to double to triple the risk.
Stomach Cancer
Despite a major decline in the incidence of stomach cancer worldwide, it remains the second most common fatal cancer worldwide. In one major study, a clear association was demonstrated between asbestos exposure and stomach cancer.
A group of 726 lighthouse keepers in Norway was studied for cancer risk between 1917 and 1967 and assessed again between 1960 and 2002. According to asbestos.com, lighthouse keepers who ingested asbestos-tainted drinking water suffered an increased risk of developing stomach cancers, with a risk as high as 450 percent. Results from this study aligned with findings from similar reports.
Colon Cancer
Combined, cancers of the colon and rectum were the third-most common cancer and cause of cancer death in the United States. Colon and rectum cancers together account for about 10 percent of all cancer deaths.
Occupational exposure to asbestos was studied between 1984 and 2004, and experts discovered a link between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer. The study determined that there was an elevated risk of colon cancer among workers who proved they were occupationally exposed to asbestos. The study’s authors said age, a history of smoking, and other factors were adjusted in the results.
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment options for asbestos cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and emerging therapies like immunotherapy. Prognosis depends on factors such as cancer type, stage at diagnosis, and overall health. Unfortunately, these diseases often carry a poor prognosis due to late detection.
Prevention remains key, emphasizing the importance of strict occupational safety regulations and asbestos abatement programs to minimize exposure. Early detection and awareness are vital for improving outcomes in affected individuals.
Call Our Office for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other type of asbestos-related disease or cancer, it is crucial to contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp immediately. There is a stringent statute of limitations on filing these claims and that window is not a very big one. Our firm has represented all types of railroad workers harmed by asbestos exposures on the job, including engineers, conductors, shop workers, track maintenance workers, and other crafts as well. These workers have been employed by CSX, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, and other short-line railroads.
Our compassionate Virginia Beach mesothelioma lawyers are dedicated to getting you the financial justice you deserve, like the $5 million wrongful death award we obtained for the family of a Virginia railroad worker who died from asbestosis caused by long-term on-the-job asbestos exposure.
Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.