ASBESTOS LUNG CANCER

Asbestos has been linked to cancers other than mesothelioma. In particular, there is an increased risk of contracting lung cancer for people who have been exposed to asbestos. Lung cancer is most notably connected with cigarette smoking, however asbestos cancer attorneys cite medical documents showing that asbestos is, likewise, a potent lung carcinogen-especially when combined with cigarette smoking. This information is very important for people who have a history of of exposure to asbestos and have been diagnosed with lung cancer or have shown early symptoms of lung cancer.

Studies have shown that when asbestos fibers and cigarette smoke are inhaled into the lungs, a synergistic effect occurs that multiplies the risk of each carcinogen in bringing about lung cancer. Asbestos, on its own, is related to a significantly high amount of cancer diagnoses, but asbestos cancer attorneys at Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, with offices in New York and New Jersey state that asbestos coupled with cigarette smoking in clients often yields exponential cancer growth. Some of the most comprehensive studies on the subject of the effects of smoking and asbestos lung cancer were conducted in the 1960s and 1970s by the late Dr. Irving Selikoff of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

OSHA has stated that: "Of all the diseases caused by asbestos, lung cancer constitutes the greatest health risk for American asbestos workers. Lung cancer has been responsible for more than half of the excess mortality from asbestos exposure in some occupational cohorts." See Federal Register, Vol. 51, No. 119, Friday, June 20, 1986, Rules and regulations, pg. 22615. Experienced asbestos lung cancer attorneys often cite or refer to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) publications in work related asbestos cancer lawsuits.

Under well-established criteria, a substantial occupational history of asbestos exposure provides a sufficient basis to assign a causative role to asbestos in the causation of a person's lung cancer. A person who has lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is often referred to as having asbestos lung cancer. Such a person may also have a diagnosis of asbestosis.

The early symptoms of lung cancer, and the methods used to diagnose it, are similar to those surrounding mesothelioma. The only difference is that lung tissue, rather than pleural tissue, is taken for pathological examination to determine if lung cancer is present.

Some early symptoms of lung cancer include: a recurring cough, shortness of breath, and blood in the phlegm (hemoptysis).

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma, please call the experienced asbestos cancer attorneys at LPK at 800.637.6529, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or complete the email form on this page.