Asbestos exposure is a well-documented cause of cancer, especially in the respiratory and digestive systems, where asbestos fibers can persist and cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage. While mesothelioma is the most commonly associated cancer with asbestos exposure, other types—including lung, throat (laryngeal), and stomach cancers—are also linked to asbestos and represent significant health risks, particularly for individuals exposed occupationally.
This page explains how asbestos exposure leads to these cancers, and describes the biological mechanisms involved, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure and has long been recognized as a severe risk for those exposed to asbestos in mining, construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing settings. In fact, lung cancer accounts for a higher number of asbestos-related cancer deaths than mesothelioma. Throat cancer and stomach cancer are the other two most common forms of asbestos-related cancer seen in Louisiana workers.
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When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge deep within the lung tissue, where they remain indefinitely. The body's immune system recognizes these fibers as foreign and initiates an inflammatory response, but it is unable to effectively remove them. Chronic inflammation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over time can cause mutations in the DNA of lung cells. These genetic changes may lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells, eventually developing into lung cancer.
Asbestos-related lung cancer typically develops over a long latency period—often 15 to 30 years after exposure—making it a disease that commonly affects individuals later in life, even after exposure has ceased.
The risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure is significantly higher in individuals who also smoke. Smoking and asbestos exposure have a synergistic effect, meaning the combined risk is exponentially higher than either factor alone. While asbestos exposure alone increases lung cancer risk, smoking can amplify it up to 90 times.
Symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer often include persistent coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Because these symptoms are common to other respiratory diseases, lung cancer can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. Diagnostic tests include imaging (such as X-rays and CT scans), sputum cytology (to detect cancer cells in mucus), and biopsy for histological analysis.
Treatment options for asbestos-related lung cancer are similar to those for other forms of lung cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer's stage at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, though asbestos-related lung cancer often has a poor prognosis due to its late onset and progression.
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Laryngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer or cancer of the voice box, is another type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Studies have shown that asbestos fibers can be inhaled and settle in the larynx, leading to a chronic inflammatory response and increased cancer risk.
The larynx is exposed to inhaled particles, including asbestos fibers, which can damage the laryngeal tissue. The irritation from asbestos fibers leads to persistent inflammation and, over time, cellular mutations in the throat lining. While the link between asbestos and laryngeal cancer is not as strong as that with lung cancer, research suggests a clear association, especially for individuals with prolonged asbestos exposure.
As with lung cancer, smoking is a significant risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases the risk, and individuals exposed to both asbestos and tobacco or alcohol face an even higher likelihood of developing this cancer.
Laryngeal cancer symptoms often include hoarseness, chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include difficulty breathing and pain in the ear or neck. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical examination, laryngoscopy (a procedure to view the larynx), biopsy, and imaging studies.
Treatment for laryngeal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In early-stage cancer, surgery or radiation may be curative, but advanced-stage cancers often require a combination of treatments. Early detection improves survival rates, though laryngeal cancer's prognosis varies depending on how far the disease has progressed.
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is another cancer type associated with asbestos exposure, though the relationship is less direct compared to lung or laryngeal cancers. Studies suggest that asbestos fibers, when ingested, can become embedded in the lining of the stomach, contributing to carcinogenesis over time.
In cases of asbestos exposure, fibers may be ingested if they are swallowed along with saliva or food after inhalation, especially in environments with airborne asbestos dust. These fibers may lodge in the gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammation and cellular changes in the stomach lining, which can lead to tumor formation. Although the link between asbestos and stomach cancer is not as strong as with respiratory cancers, it is recognized as a potential consequence of asbestos ingestion.
Besides asbestos exposure, other risk factors for stomach cancer include infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium linked to inflammation and ulcers in the stomach, as well as a diet high in smoked or salted foods. Smoking and a family history of stomach cancer also increase the risk.
Symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and can include indigestion, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss. These symptoms often mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, making early diagnosis challenging. Diagnostic methods include upper endoscopy (where a camera examines the stomach lining), biopsy, and imaging studies such as CT scans to evaluate the extent of the cancer.
Stomach cancer treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis and generally includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection of stomach cancer, as with other types of cancer, can significantly improve treatment outcomes. However, since symptoms are often nonspecific, stomach cancer is frequently diagnosed in later stages, reducing the chances of effective intervention.
Anyone who worked at, or lived with someone who worked at, these facilities could have been exposed to asbestos, which could have taken decades to result in cancer.
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