Understanding Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer: Latency Periods and Common Symptoms
The connection between smoking and lung cancer is widely recognized. But did you know that up to 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer never or rarely smoked? Factors other than smoking can increase your risk for lung cancer, including asbestos exposure. If exposed to asbestos, you are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than someone who wasn’t. But the symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle, and it can take decades to get a diagnosis. Moreover, the symptoms and diagnoses may be different for various types of asbestos-related lung cancer, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
We’ll discuss everyday questions about asbestos-related lung cancer symptoms and latency periods.
Latency Period for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
The “latency period” is the time between your exposure to asbestos and your diagnosis. For mesothelioma, a diagnosis can take decades, sometimes between 20 and 60 years. In a recent NIH study, the latency period for mesothelioma ranged between 37 and 40 years. For other lung cancers, the latency period can vary depending on what caused the cancer, but for asbestos-related lung cancer, the average is about 10.5 years.
Common Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Diagnosing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers can take so long because the symptoms can be subtle at first. Common symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing, hoarseness, and shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Swelling of the face and neck
Hire an Experienced Asbestos Litigation Attorney
If you or a loved one are dealing with mesothelioma or lung cancer resulting from asbestos exposure, you don't have to face it on your own. You may be eligible for financial compensation, and a highly experienced asbestos law firm can help you and your family. Since 1972, Madeksho Law has been dedicated to assisting families like yours in securing the compensation they rightfully deserve. Discover how we can support you. Please reach out to us at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or connect with us through our online contact form to arrange a complimentary consultation.
