Asbestos cancers are caused by inhaling or swallowing microscopic asbestos fibers. The term “asbestos cancer” most often refers to mesothelioma. Several other malignancies are linked to asbestos exposure including lung cancer, ovarian cancer and cancer of the voice box.
How Does Asbestos Cause Cancer?
Asbestos is a unique mineral that can be pulled apart into flexible fibers. When a person inhales or swallows microscopic asbestos fibers, the body often cannot break down or remove them. The fibers become stuck within sensitive tissue around the lungs or abdomen.
Over many years, the fibers cause irritation and inflammation that damage cells and DNA. Genetic changes resulting from damaged DNA can lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer. Asbestos cancer is any malignancy asbestos exposure has caused, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Occupational exposure from many blue-collar professions is the leading cause of asbestos-related diseases. According to the World Health Organization, asbestos causes half of all occupational cancer deaths. Secondhand and environmental asbestos exposure can cause cancer as well.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asbestos-Related Cancers
Mesothelioma and other cancers from asbestos exposure often take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms can mimic more common respiratory or abdominal cancers. Confirming asbestos-related cancer typically requires a mesothelioma specialist.
Symptoms of Asbestos Cancer
People with a history of asbestos exposure should seek regular health screenings. They should pay special attention to the following signs, which may signal cancer:
- Respiratory System Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain are symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Digestive System Symptoms: Swelling and pain, digestion issues, changes in bowel habits and nausea are symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, stomach cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Reproductive System Symptoms: Menstrual changes, fatigue, back pain and pain during sex can be symptoms of ovarian cancer.
- Throat Symptoms: A chronic sore throat, persistent hoarseness, feeling the need to clear your throat often and difficulty swallowing can signal laryngeal cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
The path to an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis can be different for everyone, but an earlier diagnosis allows for more treatment options with a more favorable prognosis and improved survival.