Kinds of Cancer From Asbestos

Until the 1970s, the mineral asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing shingles, cigarette filters, floor and ceiling tiles and other industrial applications. After 30 years of use, research began to show that it causes cancer. The fibers are inhaled into the lungs and never expelled, which can lead to cancer years later, according to the American Cancer Society. The primary types of cancers caused by asbestos exposure are lung and mesothelioma, though it has also been linked to larynx, stomach and colon cancers.

Mesothelioma

• The mesothelium is a protective membrane that covers many internal organs. Mesothelioma is cancer of this membrane. It is relatively rare and usually, but not always, found only in those who have been exposed to asbestos dust, according to the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms of this cancer may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Depending upon the location of the cancer, symptoms may include swelling and fluid in the abdomen, bowel obstruction, problems with blood clotting and fever. Asbestos exposure plus cigarette smoking puts you at a much higher risk of mesothelioma.

Lung Cancer

• Lung cancer risk increases if you have regularly inhaled asbestos dust. Like mesothelioma, lung cancer is much more likely to occur if you also smoke. Asbestos-related lung cancer often starts in the bronchial tubes, though it can also begin in the trachea or the actual lung air sacs (alveoli). In the early stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. In the 15 percent of cases where symptoms are present, they include hoarseness, coughing possibly with bloody sputum (spit), and weight loss.
  If you suspect you may have this cancer, your sputum will likely be examined for cancer cells. You will also have a biopsy that can determine if you have lung cancer.

  The connection between asbestos and other cancers including stomach, larynx and colon cancer are not as thoroughly substantiated as those of mesothelioma and lung cancer, though some studies have shown a relationship.

About Asbestos

• The asbestos mineral is naturally heat resistant. It was once used in cigarette filters, brake pads, ceiling and floor tiles, and insulation. It was widely used from 1945 until the early 1970s when scientists began to understand its dangers. In 1989, a partial ban on the use of asbestos in construction and building was enacted.
  Asbestos becomes most dangerous when it begins to degrade or break down. That's when asbestos dust can become airborne and be inhaled. The small particles cause irritation in the lungs and that produces cytokines. Cytokines are chemical substances that govern your body's reactions and processes. Sometimes, cytokine reactions lead to abnormal cell production that becomes cancer.

Who is at Risk?

• People who worked regularly in areas that contained asbestos or the industries that manufactured asbestos-containing products are most at risk. Carpenters, plumbers and electrical workers who routinely worked in buildings with asbestos pipe insulation may have been exposed. Janitors and sanitation workers who frequently cleaned areas with asbestos are also at risk. Even family and friends who were exposed to asbestos fibers on the clothes of a loved one have a slightly increased likelihood of getting an asbestos-related cancer.

Asbestos Protection

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed regulations for construction work, shipyards and general industry to reduce exposure to the asbestos that's still found in older buildings and equipment. The regulations include the use of protective clothing and respirators, as well as monitoring air samples to ensure that asbestos dust is below certain thresholds.