What Are the 5 Main Types of Asbestos-Related Diseases?

Ward Black Law | | Asbestos Disease Claims
Close up asbestos, fibers, mask, filter, gloves and goggles

In the early 20th century, doctors identified a link between exposure to asbestos and several diseases. However, because asbestos provides excellent insulation and heat-resistance capabilities, manufacturers continued to use its fibers in numerous applications for decades, putting their profits ahead of public safety. Many began phasing out production only in the 1970s, but asbestos products remain in many places today.

Asbestos sheds particles that drift through the air, where anyone nearby can inhale or ingest them. Those fibers then become lodged in the lungs or digestive tract or get carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Once lodged in the body, asbestos fibers can damage tissues and cause various diseases. Below are five of the primary conditions related to asbestos.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that involves the slow decline of lung function. Asbestosis occurs when inhaled asbestos fibers get lodged in lung tissue, which can have an abrasive effect and cause scar tissue to form. Stiffer scar tissue can limit the ability of the lungs to flex and expand during breathing. Scarring also inhibits the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Doctors cannot reverse the damage caused by asbestosis. Treatment usually involves supplemental oxygen and pain relievers to lessen the effects of lung damage.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, or the lining that encases many vital organs in the chest and abdomen. The body has several kinds of mesothelium, including the pleura, the peritoneum, the pericardium, and the mesothelium surrounding the testes or ovaries. Mesothelioma frequently involves aggressive cancers that rapidly spread throughout the body. By the time mesothelioma begins causing noticeable symptoms, the cancer has usually advanced to a difficult-to-treat, often fatal stage.

Pleural Disease

Pleural disease involves the tissues lining the lungs called the pleura. Asbestos fibers can get trapped between the two layers of the pleura, causing them to become inflamed as they rub against asbestos fibers. That causes scar tissue to form in the pleura as collagen deposits called pleural plaques. Inflammation can also cause fluid buildup in the pleura, a condition called pleural effusion. Pleural plaques and effusion can cause the pleura to thicken, reducing its flexibility and restricting lung function.

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure can cause many forms of lung cancer, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small-cell carcinoma. A history of smoking can also compound the risk of lung cancer created by asbestos exposure.

Other Cancers

Asbestos particles that end up in the bloodstream can also get lodged in other organs and tissues throughout the body, where they can cause cancers including:

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer (cancer of the voice box)
  • Colon cancer

Talk to Our Experienced North Carolina Asbestos Lawyers for Free

If you’ve received a diagnosis for an asbestos-related medical condition after having exposure to asbestos dust or asbestos-containing products, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your medical treatment, long-term care, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Contact us online or call Ward Black Law today for a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your legal options with our knowledgeable North Carolina asbestos lawyers. With years of experience representing over 1,000 clients in asbestos claims, our legal team has the skills and resources to advocate for your right to maximum compensation.