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Asbestos Exposure and Adenocarcinomas

People exposed to asbestos on the job are at higher risk of developing lung cancer as well as mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung. One specific type of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure is called adenocarcinoma. It is the most common type of lung cancer and is often found in non-smokers.  It occurs on the outer tissue of the lungs and, compared to other types of lung cancer, is more likely to be contained in one area.

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lung increased in the United States and worldwide during the last half century.  According to the American Medical Association, asbestos is a risk factor for adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Lung cancers are related to workplace exposure to asbestos, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a federal agency.

Workers exposed to asbestos can develop lung cancer. Smoking and asbestos exposure together are a deadly combination. They greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer, studies suggest.

What Are Your Treatment Options for Adenocarcinoma?

Adenocarcinoma is one of three types of non-small cell lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 40 percent of lung cancers. People with the type called adenocarcinoma in situ tend to have a better prognosis than patients with other types of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

People with adenocarcinoma may have a worsening cough, chest pain, and a buildup of fluid in the cavity surrounding the affected lung. The fluid is known as pleural effusion. An accumulation of fluid can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Hoarseness and weight loss are also common symptoms of adenocarcinoma.

Patients suspected of having lung cancer will generally undergo a physical examination, have a chest X-ray, have a chest CT scan and a biopsy to confirm the type and extent of the cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, you have several treatment options, depending on the stage of your cancer and other factors. The treatment options include:

  • Surgery — Surgery is the most potentially curative option if the adenocarcinoma is not advanced.
  • Chemotherapy—Chemotherapy may be used following surgery to control disease-related symptoms. Chemotherapy also may be used alone or in combination with radiation for patients with inoperable lung cancer.
  • Radiation Therapy— Radiation combined with chemotherapy can ease symptoms for many patients with adenocarcinoma and produce a cure for a small number of patients.
  • Targeted Therapy—The identification of mutations in non-small cell lung cancers such as adenocarcinoma has led to the development of molecular target therapy that can improve the survival of selected patients, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Your doctor will discuss with you treatment options for adenocarcinoma of the lung and any tests that need to be done before a treatment is chosen. It’s a good idea to seek a second opinion about your lung cancer diagnosis. A second opinion will give you another medical perspective about your choices of treatment.

Depending on the type of treatment you select, you may also consult a radiation oncologist who treats lung cancer with radiation therapy or a thoracic surgeon who performs surgery to treat adenocarcinoma. In many cases, patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung receive a combination of treatments.

The attorneys of Belluck & Fox, LLP, want people dealing with adenocarcinoma of the lung and their families to have good general information about diseases caused by asbestos exposure and medical treatments. It’s also important for adenocarcinoma patients to understand their legal options if they have been exposed to asbestos.

Contact New York Mesothelioma Lawyer

Belluck & Fox, LLP, a New York law firm, has a national reputation for its advocacy for mesothelioma victims and their families. The firm provides professional and personalized legal representation. A mesothelioma lawyer at Belluck & Fox, LLP, can evaluate your case and discuss your options at no charge. Call 855-205-2015 or fill out our online contact form.