8 Most Common Asbestos-Related Diseases 

Most Common Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of developing various diseases, some malignant and others benign. Although being exposed to asbestos does not guarantee that someone will develop health complications, it does result in an elevated risk of various diseases for decades after exposure.

In the most serious cases, asbestos-related diseases can be severely debilitating, if not life threatening.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact the Amaro Law Firm to find out more about your rights and recovery options. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping injured people pursue the compensation they deserve when exposure to toxins like asbestos causes serious health complications.

Call (713) 352-7975 or Email our Firm
to Set up a Free Consultation & Get on the Path to Recovery

Our record of success and exceptional representation in asbestos exposure cases (and other personal injury claims) has earned us 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.

Malignant Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos exposure can result in various types of cancers, including:

1. Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is cancer that causes tumors to develop on the lining of certain organs, including the lining(s) of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and/or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Because the early-state symptoms of mesothelioma can be latent and generic, this condition commonly progresses to later stages before it’s diagnosed.
2. Lung cancer – More extensive exposure to asbestos over long periods of time can result in asbestos-related lung cancer. When coupled with certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer after asbestos exposure can significantly increase.
3. Ovarian cancer – Various studies have affirmed a link between asbestos exposure and an elevated risk of ovarian cancer.¹ Some researchers have even discovered asbestos fibers in the ovaries of women exposed to asbestos. These fibers are thought to reach the ovaries via the blood stream, the reproductive tract or the lymphatic system. Here, it’s important to note that researchers have also linked use of talcum powder, which can naturally be found in asbestos, to an elevated risk of ovarian cancer.
4. Other cancers – Asbestos exposure has been linked to a higher risk of developing various other malignancies (at varying degrees). Some of the other forms of cancer that have been associated with asbestos exposure include (but may not be exclusive to):
   • Throat cancer
   • Laryngeal cancer
   • Esophageal cancer
   • Kidney cancer
   • Gallbladder cancer.

Benign Asbestos-Related Diseases

An array of noncancerous conditions can also be caused by asbestos exposure. These can include (but may not be limited to):

5. Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a lung disease characterized by severe swelling and scarring of the lung tissues. Marked by symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain, asbestosis inhibits the lungs from relaxing and expanding. As such, it can be very serious, potentially resulting in fatal complications.
6. Pleural effusions – This condition is marked by the buildup of fluid between the linings of the lungs (pleura). Sometimes a symptom of mesothelioma, pleural effusions can develop independent of tumors. When they do, they can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain and coughing.
7. Pleural plaques – Pleural plaques are calcified buildups on the pleura. Though not considered to be a serious health complication, these plaques can impair respiration and make breathing painful.
8. Pleuritis – Also referred to as pleurisy, pleuritis is a swelling of the pleura that can cause sharp chest, shoulder and/or breathing pain. While pleuritis can exist independent of mesothelioma, it’s not uncommon for those diagnosed with pleuritis to go onto develop mesothelioma.

Were You Diagnosed with an Asbestos-Related Condition? Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm

A mesothelioma lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm is ready to review your case and explain your legal options for compensation and justice.

To get clear, helpful legal advice about your recovery options, set up a free consultation with us by calling (713) 352-7975 or by emailing us. If you cannot visit our office for this meeting, we provide virtual consultations. We can also travel to your location for a consultation.

In mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases, we represent clients throughout the U.S.

___________________________________________________________________________

1: According to the National Institutes of Health