When you think about asbestos exposure and the illnesses it can cause, mesothelioma is the one most often thought of. But, in fact, there are many types of cancers cause by asbestos beyond mesothelioma.
While some diseases have long been associated with the carcinogen, more recent research has led to the inclusion of several other types of cancers on the list of those having a strong causal relationship with asbestos.
TOP 6 CANCERS CAUSED BY ASBESTOS BEYOND MESOTHELIOMA
Lung Cancer
Research has long shown a clear link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer. Lung cancer symptoms are quite similar to those associated with mesothelioma. This illness is typically found in older people who were exposed on the job during periods when asbestos was commonly used. The gestation period for this disease is 20-30 years which means it will take decades after exposure for symptoms to manifest.
Stomach Cancer
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal area but stomach cancer is also now known to be a possible outcome from asbestos exposure as well. Peritoneal carcinoma has different origins and can present as lesions in the stomach that could lead to other manifestations including tumors.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects the rectum and the colon. Some studies out of Denmark and Lithuania suggested a link between the chrysotileform of asbestos fibers to colorectal cancer. Other studies do not show a definitive link.
Esophageal Cancer
A panel from the Institute of Medicine has concluded that there is a link between asbestos and laryngeal / esophageal cancer. They found that asbestos exposure increased the chance of this cancer by 40 percent because inhaled fibers can linger in the mucus and in the bronchial tubes increasing the chances of developing the illness over time. Kidney Cancer
Several studies have linked asbestos to cancer of the kidneys and bladder. Specifically shipyard workers were found to be at particular risk. Asbestos fibers have been found in the urine and kidneys of many workers which clearly ties the toxic substance to this disease according to the National Institutes of Health.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer slows the process of emptying bile from the body which increases the chances that cells are exposed to carcinogens. The biliary tract, which is essential to proper digestion, can be damaged by asbestos fibers and tumors can develop in the inner lining of the organ. Because of its location, gallbladder cancer can metastasize quickly to many other areas including the lymph nodes and liver.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma and you worked in a high asbestos exposure risk industry (or had a loved one that did) your illness may have been caused by this toxic substance.
If this is the case, Bergman Draper Oslund can help you. We only represent asbestos exposure victims and have won more than $700 million for our clients over the past 15 years. Call us now for a free consultation about your illness and rights to compensation.