Mesothelioma Related Diseases

Asbestos exposure has been attributed as a root cause for many types of health complications, with some being more serious than others. Many of these complications affect the respiratory system and can impact breathing and lung function. Because symptoms may be similar (i.e. chronic cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing), it is important to discuss specific situations with a physician, especially for those who have a known asbestos-exposure history.

Emphysema

Emphysema may be a pre-cursor to smoking-related ailments such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, which is different than mesothelioma because it actually occurs in the lung tissue as opposed to the mesothelium, can also be attributed to asbestos exposure. There are general sub-classifications of lung cancer. These are small cell and non-small cell which are assigned based on how the cancer cells appear within the lung tissue. Each of these types has appeared in those exposed to asbestos.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic respiratory condition which, like the name indicates, is directly attributable to asbestos exposure. Asbestosis can cause internal respiratory damage that will seriously limit lung function. Asbestosis has also been known to occur as a precursor to mesothelioma and other malignancies such as lung cancer.

Asbestos Lung Cancer

The difference between lung cancer and asbestos-caused mesothelioma cancer is that mesothelioma develops in the pleura, a thin membrane that forms the lining of the lungs, and not in the lungs themselves.

Asbestos Cancer

Asbestos cancer is the general term for cancers either directly attributable or partly attributable to asbestos exposure. These malignancies tend to be quite aggressive and affect the respiratory system due to inhaled asbestos fibers. The most common asbestos cancers are mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. These diseases are a summation of those gathered in our research of world medical literature. This information is medical in nature. A timeline of significant dates in the history of the legal and medical ramifications of asbestos diseases can be found within our History of Asbestos Disease section.

Asbestos Disease in Pets and Animals

Animals and pets, like humans, are susceptible to asbestos-related disease as well. Pets that spend a great deal of time with an asbestos-exposed owner or live in an area contaminated by asbestos have developed asbestos-related health complications.