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Can Lymphoma Be Caused by Asbestos Exposure?

Some medical researchers have questioned whether exposure to asbestos could cause lymphoma. Research is limited on the effects of asbestos in relation to lymphoma, but a connection has been suggested.

  1. Lymphoma

    • Lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the cells in the blood and affects the immune system, bone marrow and lymph nodes. There are two kinds of lymphoma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's.

    Significance

    • Any person can get lymphoma, but it most commonly affects young adults and seniors. Lymphoma is responsible for more than 25,000 deaths per year in the United States.

    Asbestos

    • Asbestos is a fiber that was frequently used in building materials. Asbestos might be found in materials such as roof shingles, packaging and floor tiles.

    Effects

    • Asbestos has been proven to cause cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. It has also been known to cause asbestosis, a disease in which scarring from asbestos particles makes it difficult for the lung membranes to absorb enough oxygen.

    Lymphoma and Asbestos

    • According to asbestos.com, there have been several studies that have suggested a connection between lymphoma and exposure to asbestos, but no studies have produced conclusive evidence of a connection.

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