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Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Heavy smokers exposed to asbestos are often at a higher risk of developing lung cancer in a short period of time. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, hoarseness of the voice, shortness of breath, a dull aching chest or a sharp pain when breathing in deeply.

A recent case involving a worker that had been exposed to asbestos and developed lung cancer saw a reduction in his compensation by the Court as he had continued to smoke cigarettes once the dangers of smoking were widely known.

Exposure to asbestos, radon gas, uranium, nickel, and chromium can contribute to the development of lung cancer. Long term occupational exposure may increase the risk of developing lung cancer by up to 47%. (Cancer UK.)

The current best estimate of the proportion of cancer deaths in Great Britain due to occupational exposures over the last few decades is 4%. (Statistic from the Health and Safety Executive.)

What is lung cancer?

There are two main types of lung cancer:

Small cell lung cancer

About 20 out of every 100 lung cancers diagnosed are this type. It is called small cell lung cancer because the cancer cells are small cells that are mostly filled with the nucleus (the control centre of cells). It is sometimes also called 'oat cell' cancer. This type of cancer is usually always caused by smoking. It is very rare for someone who has never smoked to develop it. Small cell lung cancer often spreads quite early on and so doctors often suggest treatment with chemotherapy rather than surgery.

Non-small cell lung cancer

Squamous cell cancer is the commonest type of lung cancer. It develops from the cells that line the airways and you often find it near the centre of the lung in one of the main airways (the left or right bronchus). This type of cancer is often due to smoking. The incidence of squamous cell cancer is going down in the UK.

Adenocarcinoma also develops from the cells that line the airways. But it develops from a particular type of cell that produces mucus. You often find it in the outer regions of the lungs. The incidence of adenocarcinoma is increasing and it may soon become more common in the UK than squamous cell lung cancer.

Large cell lung cancer is called this because the cells look large and rounded when they are looked at under a microscope. This type of lung cancer tends to grow quite quickly.

Cancer affecting the covering of the lungs

Another rare type of cancer called mesothelioma affects the covering of the lung (the pleura). It is often caused by exposure to asbestos.

The tissues lining the lungs are called the pleura. There are two pleura, also called pleural membranes. The gap between them is called the pleural space. The pleura are fibrous sheets. They help to protect the lungs. They produce a lubricating fluid that fills the gap between the two pleura. This helps the lungs to move smoothly in the chest when they are inflating and deflating as we breathe.

Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in the pleura. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. Because it is so close, pleural mesothelioma can also affect the sheet of tissue covering the heart - the pericardium. Doctors call the pericardium the lining, although it is on the outside of the heart. It protects the heart and allows it to move smoothly within the sac that surrounds it. So it does much the same job for the heart as the pleura do for the lungs.

Information taken from the Cancer UK website.

Details of lung cancer support groups, including counselling and alternative therapies can be found in our Lung Cancer Support Information Packs. Please complete the online enquiry form to request a copy.

If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to Lung cancer, please complete the online enquiry form or call 0870 024 0558. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Lung cancer.

If you have any comments in relation to Lung cancer, please use the online discussion forum.