Lung Cancer From Asbestos
Asbestos-related lung cancer is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which can result in cancer developing in the lungs and spreading to other parts of the body. Individuals who worked in industries such as shipbuilding and chemical production before the 1980s are at the highest risk due to their significant asbestos exposure. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take a long time to appear, often decades after exposure. These symptoms may include chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Last Updated:
- October 20, 2025
What Is Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer?
Asbestos-related lung cancer is the development of cancer cells in the lung tissue as a result of asbestos exposure.
Types of Asbestos Lung Cancer
The four main categories of lung cancer are:
Small cell lung cancer, or SCLC:
This rare and fast-growing lung cancer can affect anyone, but is typically associated with people who have a long history of smoking tobacco. SCLC represents about 15% of cancer diagnoses, according to the Cleveland Clinic [1].
Non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC:
This is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80% of cases. It occurs when normal lung cells change and grow out of control, but it grows slowly compared to SCLC. According to the Cleveland Clinic [2], NSCLC can spread to other body parts before symptoms are noticeable.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
This type of NSCLC develops in the squamous cells, the flat cells that line the airways inside the lungs.
Adenocarcinoma:
This type of cancer starts in the cells that produce mucus and line the surface of the lungs. It is the most common form of NSCLC. According to the Cleveland Clinic [3], adenocarcinoma can spread to other body parts, including the brain, liver, bones, or bone marrow.
How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer?
When inhaled, microscopic asbestos fibers travel through the air passages and into the lungs. While many fibers may be expelled or cleared through mucus, some can become embedded deep within the lung tissue. The human body cannot break down asbestos fibers, so these fibers may remain lodged in the tissue. This causes inflammation, damage, and scarring to the lungs and, over time, can lead to cancer.
- Chris Colley
Who Is Most at Risk of Lung Cancer?
During the 20th century, many industries heavily used products containing asbestos due to its heat resistance, durability, and affordability. As a result, individuals who worked in shipyards, chemical plants, industrial gas production facilities, and power plants before the 1980s are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure and developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established in April 1971 and began issuing standards around 1975 to reduce worker exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials. Despite these standards and regulations, workers still face risks of exposure even today, during the repair, renovation, removal, or maintenance of asbestos-containing products installed many years ago.
It’s not only workers who handled or worked near industrial asbestos products that faced the risk of exposure. Families of those workers could also be affected by secondary exposure if the worker brought home asbestos-laden clothing. For instance, if a child jumped into a parent’s arms upon their return or a spouse handled the work clothes during laundry, they could unknowingly inhale asbestos fibers.
Did You Know?
Mesothelioma vs. Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure causes both mesothelioma and lung cancer, which are similar in that they both have long latency periods and present comparable symptoms. However, they are distinct conditions. Here is a brief overview of how they compare:
| Mesothelioma | Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer | |
| Location | Linings that surround the organs in the chest and abdomen | In the lung tissue, but can spread from the lungs to the lymph nodes and other organs |
| Cause | Asbestos exposure | Asbestos exposure |
| Diagnosis | X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, and primarily tissue biopsies | X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, and primarily tissue biopsies |
| Latency | 20 – 60 years | 10 – 40 years |
| Symptoms | Chest and back pain, dry cough, weight loss, abdominal swelling, stomach pain | Chest and back pain, dry cough with blood, weight loss |
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases varies, mainly based on the patient’s level of exposure. However, it often takes decades before symptoms appear. Common symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include the following:
- Chest pain that is worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent coughing and respiratory infections
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Unexplained weight loss
Workers and other individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may just be starting to show symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
Questions About Lung Cancer?
Many individuals and families are uncertain about what steps to take after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
What Are the Treatment Options for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer?
Treatment options available for patients with asbestos-related lung cancer may depend on factors such as where it is and how far it has spread to other parts of the body. Common options for treatment and management include the following:
- Surgery
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative care
What Is the Average Survival Rate for Asbestos Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. In 2024, the American Lung Association reported that the national average survival rate for people five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%. Lung cancer has one of the lowest five-year survival rates because it is often diagnosed at later stages, when it is less likely to be cured [5].
The prognosis depends on several factors, including the extent of the disease when diagnosed, how it responds to treatment, and the patient’s overall health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, for small tumors that have not spread to the lymph nodes, the survival rate is often 90% for tumors smaller than 1 cm and 85% for tumors between 1 and 2 cm [6].
Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates
Receiving a diagnosis like lung cancer can be overwhelming and distressing. However, if you believe asbestos exposure has caused your cancer, please give Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates a call. We understand how difficult it can be to take the first steps during such a challenging time. However, we encourage you to consider taking action as soon as possible.
You may be eligible to file an asbestos lung cancer claim.
Contact us online or call 504-504-MESO.
Content Reviewed by
Todd Kale
Todd Kale meets with mesothelioma patients and their families across Louisiana to investigate their asbestos exposure, providing compassionate support and guidance during a difficult time.
Cited Source
- Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, September 28). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6202-small-cell-lung-cancer
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6203-non-small-cell-lung-cancer
- Adenocarcinoma Cancers. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, June 25). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21652-adenocarcinoma-cancers
- MacLeod, J. S., Harris, M. A., Tjepkema, M., Peters, P. A., & Demers, P. A. (2017, September). Cancer risks among welders and occasional welders in a national population-based Cohort Study: Canadian Census Health and Environmental Cohort. Safety and health at work. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28951802/
- New Report: Lung Cancer Survival Rate Improves, But Gaps in Biomarker Testing and Lack of Screening Hinder Progress. American Lung Association. (2024, November 19). https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/state-of-lung-cancer-2024
- Lung Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 31). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer