Asbestos Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Last Updated: July 14th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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Key takeaways:
- Asbestos-related lung cancer includes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 80-85% of cases, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which affects 10-15% of patients and is more aggressive.
- Asbestos fibers cause cancer through inflammation, genetic changes, oxidative stress, and scarring, with symptoms appearing 15-35 years after exposure.
- Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases lung cancer risk, as smoking hinders the removal of asbestos fibers and weakens immune defenses, making quitting smoking crucial for exposed individuals.
Overview of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos lung cancer is a form of lung cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in lung tissue and cause cellular damage over time.
While lung cancer has many potential causes, asbestos exposure is a significant factor — this is especially true for individuals in high-risk occupations like construction, shipbuilding, and mining.
Asbestos-related lung cancer typically takes decades to develop, and it is often diagnosed in advanced stages when symptoms become severe.
On this page, we’ll provide an asbestos lung cancer overview, types of asbestos-related lung cancer, pathogenesis of asbestos-related lung cancer, and much more.
What is Asbestos Lung Cancer?
Asbestos lung cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop within the lung tissue as a result of asbestos exposure.
Unlike mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, asbestos lung cancer occurs inside the lung itself.
Both diseases share similar origins in asbestos exposure but differ in location, progression, and treatment.
Key facts about asbestos lung cancer include:
- Caused by Inhaled Fibers: Inhaled asbestos fibers embed in lung tissue, causing inflammation and cellular changes that lead to cancer.
- Long Latency Period: Symptoms may take 15 to 35 years to appear, delaying diagnosis.
- Increased Risk for Smokers: Smoking combined with asbestos exposure significantly raises lung cancer risk.
- Two Main Types: Asbestos exposure can lead to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with NSCLC being more common.
The severity of asbestos lung cancer underscores the importance of early detection and monitoring for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.
Regular screenings and prompt medical attention can improve outcomes for those at risk.
If you or a loved has been been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
Types of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Research from the National Cancer Institute shows that there are two primary types of lung cancers caused by asbestos exposure.
These cancers develop differently, with varying growth patterns and treatment responses.
Studies indicate that occupational asbestos exposure remains a leading cause of both types, with asbestos and lung cancer having a clear causal relationship documented through decades of medical research.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80-85% of all cases among asbestos exposed workers.
This type of cancer typically grows more slowly than other forms, allowing for potentially more treatment options when caught early.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) has three (3) main subtypes (and the possibility for multiple subtypes to be present in some cases):
- Adenocarcinoma: Forms in the mucus-producing glandular tissues of the lungs’ air sacs, representing 40% of NSCLC cases
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Develops in flat cells lining lung airways, accounting for 25-30% of cases
- Large Cell Carcinoma: Can appear anywhere in the lung, making up 10-15% of cases and spreading more rapidly
- Mixed Types: Some cases show characteristics of multiple subtypes
These subtypes help doctors determine the most effective treatment approach, as each responds differently to various therapies.
The risk of developing lung cancer from NSCLC increases significantly with continued exposure to asbestos fibers.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer, which affects 10-15% of patients with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers, is characterized by its aggressive growth pattern and oat-shaped cells.
This type spreads rapidly throughout the body, often before symptoms appear.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) characteristics include:
- Rapid Growth: Spreads quickly to other body parts
- Limited Surgery Options: Usually too widespread for surgical intervention
- Chemotherapy Response: Often responds initially to chemotherapy treatment
- Early Metastasis: Typically spreads before detection
The aggressive nature of SCLC requires immediate treatment upon diagnosis, with chemotherapy being the primary treatment option.
The relationship between asbestos exposure and this form of cancer emphasizes the importance of regular screening for those with known exposure history.
Pathogenesis of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Research shows that asbestos dust enters the lungs through inhalation, leading to cellular damage and inflammation that can develop into lung disease over time.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified specific genetic alterations caused by asbestos fibers, which can trigger the development of malignant tumors within lung tissue after prolonged exposure.
Mechanisms of Asbestos-Induced Carcinogenesis
When asbestos fibers become embedded in lung tissue, they initiate a series of biological responses that can lead to cancer formation.
Studies indicate that longer, thinner fibers show stronger associations with lung cancer cases, though shorter fibers also contribute to cancer development.
The carcinogenic process involves several key mechanisms:
- Cellular Inflammation: Asbestos fibers cause chronic inflammation in lung tissue, leading to DNA damage
- Genetic Alterations: Asbestos exposure modifies specific genes, promoting abnormal cell growth
- Oxidative Stress: Free radicals generated by asbestos cause cellular damage
- Tissue Scarring: Continuous inflammation results in scarring that can progress to cancer
These mechanisms work together over decades, typically taking 15 to 35 years before lung cancer patients show symptoms.
The prolonged exposure period allows the fibers to accumulate and cause progressive damage to lung cells.
Synergistic Effect: Asbestos Exposure and Smoking
Smoking and asbestos exposure create a dangerous combination that significantly increases lung cancer risks.
Research shows that smokers with asbestos exposure face a multiplicative effect on their chances of developing lung cancer, as smoking impairs the body’s natural defense mechanisms against asbestos fibers.
The combined effects occur through multiple pathways:
- Reduced Fiber Clearance: Smoking damages the lungs’ ability to remove asbestos fibers
- Weakened Immunity: The combination suppresses immune responses to asbestos damage
- Enhanced Inflammation: Both factors amplify inflammatory responses in lung tissue
- Accelerated Progression: The dual exposure speeds up the development of cancer
Studies demonstrate that individuals exposed to both factors face substantially higher risks than those exposed to either smoking or asbestos alone.
This relationship explains why immediate smoking cessation is recommended for anyone with a history of asbestos exposure.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Lawsuits
Mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who need help with their mesothelioma treatment costs after they were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients who have mesothelioma lawsuit claims they are eligible to file.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your mesothelioma lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The mesothelioma lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to asbestos exposure lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma lawsuit today.
Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
