Asbestos-Related Disorders (cont.)
Does asbestos exposure cause lung cancer?
Although exposure to asbestos alone can lead to
lung cancer, the risk increases dramatically in smokers of cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.
- In nonsmokers who have been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is five times that of unexposed workers.
- In smokers who have not been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is eleven times that of non-smokers.
- In heavy smokers with asbestos exposure, the risk of lung cancer is at least 16 times higher than that of unexposed nonsmokers.
Lung cancer in asbestos-exposed and unexposed
individuals is similar in both the type of cancer and its
signs and symptoms. The link between cigarette smoking,
asbestos and cancer of the lung itself does not apply to
cancer of the lining of the lung (see malignant
mesothelioma section below). Diagnosis and treatment of
lung cancer is a complex topic and a pulmonary specialist
should be involved in the workup of a suspected lung cancer.
What is malignant mesothelioma?
Asbestos is the only known risk factor for
malignant
mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the tissue lining the
lung (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant
mesothelioma is not associated with cigarette smoking but
is strongly linked with the degree of asbestos exposure.
However, 20% to 40% of patients with malignant mesothelioma
have no prior asbestos exposure. In malignant
mesothelioma, there is a very long duration between
exposure and the onset of disease, usually greater than 30
years.
What other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure?
Other malignancies have been linked to asbestos,
including cancers of the voice box (larynx),
upper throat
(oropharynx), kidney,
esophagus, and
gallbladder.
Next: How can exposure to asbestos be
reduced? »
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