Asbestos is a mineral that has been used in many industries for decades, but it has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including cancer. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is the most common type of asbestos-related cancer, and it is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin membranes lining the chest and abdomen. Lung cancer is also linked to asbestos exposure, and it is one of the 10 most common cancers in the United States.
Laryngeal cancer and ovarian cancer are also associated with asbestos exposure, although they are less common. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans” due to its ability to cause mesothelioma and other types of cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can stick to the mucus in the throat and eventually reach the lungs, where they can irritate lung cells and cause cancer or mesothelioma. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos, and the overall five-year survival rate for all stages of ovarian cancer is 48%.
People who work in professions and environments with potential exposure to asbestos have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as inhaled or ingested fibers can travel to the ovaries. Exposure to asbestos can also cause laryngeal cancer, which is a malignant tumor that invades and blocks the airways of the lungs. Smoking nicotine along with exposure to asbestos greatly increases the chances of lung cancer. Unfortunately, due to the negligence of the asbestos industry and liability for causing asbestos cancer, many people have been exposed to this dangerous mineral.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor who specializes in mesothelioma and other types of asbestos cancer will evaluate your general health and medical history before developing a treatment plan. You may also be able to seek compensation for your exposure through a mesothelioma lawyer.Asbestos cancer is any malignant disease that has been caused by exposure to asbestos, including mesothelioma and other types of cancer. While the use of asbestos has declined in the United States, people can still be exposed to it in the workplace.
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure so that you can take steps to protect yourself.