The Connection Between Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer

Edited by Lawrence K. Holcomb

When most people hear “asbestos,” they think of mesothelioma, the rare and deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. What many people don’t realize is that asbestos can also cause lung cancer, a much more common disease that can be just as devastating. 

For decades, workers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, automotive, power generation, and other trades inhaled asbestos fibers daily, unaware of the danger. Today, thousands of people across the country are being diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer that traces back to those exposures decades ago. 

At Wallace Miller, our attorneys have helped individuals and families connect their diagnosis to past asbestos exposure and hold the companies behind the exposure accountable. Understanding the link between asbestos and lung cancer is the first step toward justice, treatment, and financial recovery. 

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of long, thin fibers that resist heat, fire, and chemicals. Because of these properties, it was widely used throughout the 20th century in insulation, cement, brakes, gaskets, tiles, and many other materials. 

Unfortunately, asbestos fibers do not break down inside the body. When inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs, causing irritation, scarring, and eventually cancer. 

Even after strict regulations began to be implemented in the 1970s, asbestos use continued for years, and many older buildings and products still contain it today. 

How asbestos causes lung cancer

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in lung tissue. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and genetic damage to nearby cells. 

The irritation leads to cellular mutations that can eventually turn normal cells into cancerous ones. This process can take 20 to 50 years, which is why many people diagnosed today were exposed decades ago. 

How asbestos-related lung cancer is different from mesothelioma

Although both asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos, they develop in different parts of the body and behave differently. 

Feature	Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer	Mesothelioma
Location	Inside lung tissue	Lining of lungs (pleura), lining of abdomen (peritoneum), elsewhere in the body in rare cases
Commonality	More common	Rare
Treatment	Include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and other options	Include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other options
Cause	Asbestos exposure (sometimes combined with smoking)	Almost exclusively asbestos exposure

 

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

The early symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle and may resemble less serious conditions. Many patients dismiss them as a lingering cold or signs of aging. 

Common symptoms include: 

• A persistent cough that worsens over time 
• Chest pain or tightness 
• Shortness of breath or wheezing 
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus from the lungs 
• Fatigue or unexplained weight loss 
• Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis 

Anyone who worked with or around asbestos, even decades ago, and is now experiencing these symptoms should speak with a doctor immediately and mention possible exposure. 

Who is at risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure?

Asbestos was used in thousands of products and workplaces across the United States. People at highest risk include: 

• Construction workers and laborers 
• Shipyard workers 
• Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy 
• Power plant and refinery workers 
• Factory and steel mill workers 
• Mechanics (especially those who worked on brakes and clutches) 
• Insulators, pipefitters, and electricians 
• Demolition or renovation workers 
• Family members of people exposed to asbestos 

Because asbestos fibers can travel on hair, clothes, and tools, even indirect exposure (also called secondary exposure) can cause lung cancer years later. 

How doctors diagnose asbestos-related lung cancer

The diagnostic process for asbestos-related lung cancer is similar to other types of lung cancer, but doctors pay special attention to your occupational and exposure history. 

The process may involve: 

1. An assessment of your medical history and a physical exam, especially if you worked in past jobs involving construction, insulation, or manufacturing. 
2. Imaging tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans to identify tumors or scarring. 
3. A biopsy to confirm cancer type and rule out mesothelioma. 
4. Additional reviews of pathology to look for asbestos bodies or scarring consistent with exposure. 

Wallace Miller can obtain and review your medical records and consult with experts to determine if your lung cancer is related to asbestos. Not all lung cancers can be linked to asbestos exposure, but when medical professionals are able to make the link, it provides vital medical and legal documentation that can be used in compensation claims. 

Asbestos-related lung cancer treatment options

Treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease, overall health, and patient preferences. Options may include: 

• Surgery to remove cancerous tissue 
• Chemotherapy to kill or shrink cancer cells 
• Radiation therapy to target specific tumor areas 
• Immunotherapy to boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer 
• Palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life 

Although asbestos-related lung cancer is serious, advances in treatment have improved survival rates and comfort for many patients. 

Legal rights for victims of asbestos-related lung cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, you may have the right to financial compensation. 

Legal compensation can cover: 

• Medical bills and treatment expenses 
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity 
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress 
• Loss of companionship for surviving family members 

Compensation can come from multiple sources, including asbestos trust funds, settlements, or lawsuits against responsible companies. 

At Wallace Miller, we investigate each client’s work and exposure history to determine where asbestos contact occurred and what companies are liable. Our firm handles every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on your health. 

Common misconceptions about asbestos-related lung cancer

Many people assume that because they smoked, they cannot pursue an asbestos claim. That is not true. 

Even if smoking contributed to your lung cancer, asbestos exposure is still a recognized cause in many cases. Courts and medical experts understand that asbestos acts as a separate and powerful carcinogen. If asbestos contributed to your illness, you are still entitled to pursue compensation. 

Another common misconception is that too much time has passed since the asbestos exposure to file a lawsuit. In most states, you still have the right to file a claim within 1-3 years of diagnosis, regardless of when the exposure happened. 

Why choose Wallace Miller to represent your case

Wallace Miller represents asbestos victims nationwide. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex asbestos and lung cancer litigation. We combine deep legal knowledge with genuine compassion for our clients and their families. 

Our team understands the challenges of facing a serious illness and works tirelessly to make the legal process as simple and stress-free as possible. Every client receives personal attention and regular updates—we are your partners in this fight, from the initial phone call to final resolution. 

Asbestos-related lung cancer is preventable. Every case represents a failure by corporations that knew the risks but didn’t warn or protect their workers. By bringing a legal claim, you are not only seeking justice for yourself, but also helping to make the world safer for future generations. 

At Wallace Miller, we are committed to standing beside you every step of the way. We will listen to your story, investigate your exposure, and fight to hold negligent companies accountable. 

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer after asbestos exposure, contact Wallace Miller today for a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced asbestos attorneys represent clients nationwide, helping families get the compensation they need to move forward. 

You’ve fought hard all your life. Now let us fight for you.