Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer develops when lung tissue cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Over time they form a clump known as a tumour.
When asbestos fibres are inhaled they can become trapped in the lungs. As they build up overtime due to increased exposure to asbestos, they can scar and damage the lungs, which can trigger the development of lung cancer.
It is the level of exposure to asbestos that has the greatest bearing on whether or not it will progress and cause an asbestos-related disease like lung cancer.
About the Symptoms
Symptoms of Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A persistent or changing cough;
- Breathlessness – occurring when a tumour is large or blocks off an airway. This can also be caused if there is pleural effusion
- Blood in the sputum
- Pain – this usually occurs if the tumour reaches the edge of the lung or touches up against the ribs
- Wheezing from one side of the chest
- Weight loss
However, if the cancer has spread then symptoms may not be related to the lungs and and can include liver jaundice, bone pain, skin lumps or brain damage.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Treatment For Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Treatment for lung cancer is similar to that of other cancers and depends greatly on the age and condition of the person suffering from the disease. This will vary from definitive treatments to eradicate or reduce the tumours, or alternatively, if the cancer is at an advanced stage then palliative treatment may be the only option.
Treatments include:
- Chemotherapy – used to shrink tumours or to relieve the pain
- Surgery – this includes the removal of part or all of the found tumours and to control the pleural fluid
- Radiotherapy – used to kill the cancerous cells and shrink the tumours, this can also be used as a way to relieve the pain
About the Prognosis
Prognosis For Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
The prognosis for asbestos-related lung cancer is very similar to the prognosis given for lung cancers not related to exposure to asbestos. It will very much depend on the stage of the cancer, whether it has metastasised, the size of the tumour and the age and lifestyle of the patient. If the cancer is operable this can improve the prognosis.
About The Compensation Claim
Can I Claim Compensation For Asbestos Related Lung Cancer?
To make an asbestos-related lung cancer compensation claim you need to be able to say which companies or employers exposed you to asbestos and what work you were doing that caused the exposure.
Whilst asbestos exposure can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, the diagnosis of lung cancer because of asbestos is relatively rare. A Claimant has to show a very heavy history of exposure to asbestos such as that seen with laggers and asbestos factory workers.
A smoking history does not prevent a person claiming for asbestos-related lung cancer. In fact someone who has been a smoker and has been exposed to asbestos is at a greatly increased risk of suffering from lung cancer, compared to someone who has only smoked. The two work together to increase the risk further.
If you think you have a claim for asbestos-related lung cancer we can help. For more information visit our page on how to make an asbestos-related lung cancer claim.