Related Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos exposure can cause several serious cancers, progressive lung diseases, and abnormalities affecting the tissue surrounding the lungs.

The best-known asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma, but it is not the only condition associated with exposure. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, and other respiratory complications.

These diseases often develop slowly. A person may not experience symptoms until 20 to 50 years after working with or around asbestos. Because of this long latency period, workers, military veterans, and family members may be diagnosed decades after the original exposure occurred.

This hub explains:

The major diseases caused by asbestos exposure
The difference between malignant and nonmalignant conditions
Common symptoms and diagnostic tests
Who faces the greatest risk
Why smoking and asbestos are especially dangerous together
How exposure histories are reconstructed
Medical and legal options after a diagnosis

What Are Asbestos-Related Diseases?

Asbestos-related diseases are medical conditions caused or significantly increased by inhaling or swallowing microscopic asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat, chemicals, and biological breakdown. After entering the body, they can remain embedded in the lungs or surrounding tissue for decades.

Over time, the fibers may cause:

Chronic inflammation
Cellular damage
Lung-tissue scarring
Pleural scarring
Reduced lung function
Genetic mutations
Cancerous tumor development
Fluid buildup around the lungs
Progressive breathing difficulties

The main recognized asbestos-related diseases include:

Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestosis
Pleural plaques
Diffuse pleural thickening
Benign asbestos-related pleural effusion
Rounded atelectasis
Certain other cancers associated with asbestos exposure

Malignant and Nonmalignant Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos-related conditions generally fall into two categories.

Malignant Asbestos Diseases

Malignant diseases involve cancerous cells that can invade surrounding tissue or spread to other areas of the body.

Major malignant asbestos-related diseases include:

Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Laryngeal cancer
Ovarian cancer

Research has also examined possible relationships between asbestos and other cancers, although the evidence is not equally strong for every cancer type.

Nonmalignant Asbestos Diseases

Nonmalignant conditions are not cancer. However, they can still cause serious breathing limitations, disability, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life.

Major nonmalignant diseases include:

Asbestosis
Pleural plaques
Diffuse pleural thickening
Benign pleural effusion
Rounded atelectasis

A noncancerous asbestos condition does not automatically become cancer. However, it can provide evidence that a person experienced substantial asbestos exposure and may require ongoing medical monitoring.

Major Cancers Related to Asbestos

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective tissue surrounding certain internal organs.

The primary types are:

Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining around the lungs
Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the abdominal lining
Pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining around the heart
Testicular mesothelioma, affecting tissue surrounding a testicle

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form.

Most mesotheliomas are caused by asbestos exposure.

Common Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms depend on where the cancer begins.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Persistent cough
Fluid around the lungs
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Unexplained weight loss

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Fluid buildup
Digestive changes
Nausea
Reduced appetite
Unexplained weight loss

Because these symptoms resemble other illnesses, mesothelioma may initially be mistaken for pneumonia, heart disease, a respiratory infection, or another cancer.

Learn more through our What Is Mesothelioma? resource.

Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure can cause cancer that begins inside the lung tissue.

Asbestos lung cancer is not the same disease as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma usually begins in the pleura surrounding the lungs, while lung cancer originates within the lungs or airways.

Both major lung cancer categories may occur in asbestos-exposed individuals.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common category and includes:

Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread more rapidly.

A physician usually cannot determine the cause of lung cancer merely by looking at the tumor. A diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer generally requires consideration of:

The patient’s work history
Military service
Duration and intensity of exposure
Asbestos-related imaging findings
Smoking history
Other occupational hazards
The time between exposure and diagnosis

Learn more about asbestos-related lung cancer and lung cancer asbestos lawsuits.

Asbestos, Smoking, and Lung Cancer

Smoking does not cause mesothelioma, but it is a major cause of lung cancer.

A person who has both smoked and experienced occupational asbestos exposure may face a substantially greater lung cancer risk than someone exposed to either hazard alone.

Smoking does not erase the role asbestos may have played. A person with a history of tobacco use may still have a valid asbestos-related medical or legal claim.

Important distinctions include:

Smoking is not known to cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer in smokers and nonsmokers.
Smoking and asbestos together greatly increase lung cancer risk.
Former smokers may still qualify for asbestos compensation.
The relevant question is whether asbestos substantially contributed to the disease.

Patients should give their doctors a complete smoking and exposure history rather than assuming the cancer was caused by only one factor.

Laryngeal Cancer

The larynx, commonly called the voice box, is located in the throat and plays an important role in speaking, breathing, and swallowing.

Asbestos exposure has been associated with cancer of the larynx.

Possible symptoms include:

Persistent hoarseness
Voice changes
Difficulty swallowing
A lump in the neck
Persistent sore throat
Ear pain
Chronic coughing
Unexplained weight loss

Smoking and alcohol use are also significant risk factors for laryngeal cancer. A full occupational history is therefore important when evaluating whether workplace asbestos contributed to the disease.

Ovarian Cancer

Asbestos exposure is associated with ovarian cancer.

Possible exposure routes include:

Occupational exposure
Asbestos-contaminated work environments
Take-home fibers from a family member
Contaminated talc
Consumer or industrial products

Asbestos fibers may reach the ovaries through biological pathways that are not yet completely understood.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Bloating
Feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight changes
Fatigue

These symptoms are common and do not always indicate cancer. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Other Cancers Studied in Connection With Asbestos

Researchers have investigated possible associations between asbestos and cancers of the:

Pharynx
Stomach
Colon
Rectum
Esophagus
Kidney

The strength of the scientific evidence differs among these diseases.

A diagnosis involving one of these cancers does not automatically establish asbestos as the cause. The patient’s medical, occupational, environmental, and family history must be evaluated individually.

Noncancerous Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

The fibers become lodged deep within the lungs, causing inflammation and progressive scar tissue formation. This scarring is known as pulmonary fibrosis.

Asbestosis is not cancer and does not spread to other organs. However, it can cause permanent lung damage and severe breathing limitations.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Persistent dry cough
Chest tightness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Fatigue
Crackling sounds while breathing
Finger clubbing in advanced cases
Reduced oxygen levels

The condition usually develops after substantial or repeated exposure, although individual risk varies.

Is There a Cure for Asbestosis?

There is no treatment that can remove asbestos fibers or reverse established lung scarring.

Treatment focuses on:

Slowing additional damage
Managing symptoms
Preventing respiratory infections
Improving oxygen levels
Maintaining physical function
Treating related heart or lung problems

Care may include:

Supplemental oxygen
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Vaccinations
Inhaled medication
Treatment for respiratory infections
Smoking cessation
Lung transplantation in rare advanced cases

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are areas of fibrous thickening that develop on the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs.

They are among the most common signs of previous asbestos exposure.

Pleural plaques:

Are not cancer
Usually do not cause symptoms
May calcify over time
Are often discovered on chest imaging
May confirm significant past asbestos exposure
Do not automatically become mesothelioma

Many people with pleural plaques maintain normal lung function. However, their presence may indicate that asbestos fibers reached the pleural lining.

A physician may recommend periodic monitoring based on the patient’s exposure history, age, symptoms, and other medical conditions.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening

Diffuse pleural thickening is more extensive scarring of the pleural membrane.

Unlike small localized pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening may surround a larger portion of the lung and restrict its ability to expand.

Possible symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Chest discomfort
Chronic cough
Fatigue
Reduced exercise capacity
Restrictive lung-function changes

The condition is noncancerous, but severe cases may cause meaningful respiratory disability.

Learn more about pleural thickening caused by asbestos.

Benign Asbestos-Related Pleural Effusion

A pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall.

Asbestos exposure may cause a benign pleural effusion that is not related to cancer. However, fluid around the lung can also result from:

Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Pneumonia
Heart failure
Infection
Blood clots
Other inflammatory diseases

Symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pressure
Chest pain
Coughing
Difficulty taking a deep breath

Because pleural effusion can be associated with serious conditions, doctors may perform:

Chest X-rays
CT scans
Ultrasound
Thoracentesis
Fluid analysis
Biopsy

The term “benign asbestos pleural effusion” should generally be used only after malignancy and other causes have been carefully evaluated.

Rounded Atelectasis

Rounded atelectasis is a condition in which part of the lung folds inward or collapses near an area of pleural scarring.

On imaging, it may resemble a tumor.

It is most often associated with:

Pleural thickening
Prior pleural effusion
Asbestos exposure
Significant pleural inflammation

Rounded atelectasis is usually noncancerous. However, additional imaging or follow-up may be necessary to distinguish it from lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Chronic Respiratory Impairment

Some asbestos-exposed patients experience chronic breathing problems even when they do not have mesothelioma or advanced asbestosis.

Possible complications include:

Reduced lung capacity
Exercise intolerance
Chronic cough
Low blood-oxygen levels
Recurrent respiratory infections
Pulmonary hypertension
Right-sided heart strain
Progressive respiratory failure

These problems may be caused by asbestos disease alone or by a combination of asbestos damage, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

How Asbestos Fibers Damage the Body

Asbestos-containing materials may release microscopic fibers when they are:

Cut
Drilled
Sanded
Scraped
Removed
Torn
Ground
Sawed
Repaired
Demolished
Allowed to deteriorate

Once airborne, these fibers can be inhaled deep into the respiratory system.

The body may attempt to remove them, but asbestos fibers are highly durable. Some remain embedded in lung tissue or migrate toward the pleura.

Over time, retained fibers may cause:

Persistent tissue irritation
Chronic inflammation
Oxidative cellular damage
Scar-tissue formation
Genetic changes
Abnormal cell growth
Cancer development

The medical outcome depends on many factors, including the amount inhaled, duration of exposure, fiber characteristics, age at first exposure, smoking history, and individual susceptibility.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Workers in industries that historically used asbestos face the greatest risk.

High-risk occupations include:

Insulators
Shipyard workers
Navy personnel
Boilermakers
Pipefitters
Plumbers
Electricians
Construction workers
Demolition workers
Power plant workers
Refinery employees
Chemical plant workers
Steel mill workers
Railroad workers
Automotive mechanics
Brake repair workers
Factory workers
Machinists
Welders
Miners
Textile workers
Building maintenance employees
Firefighters
HVAC technicians
Equipment mechanics
Civilian military contractors

A person did not need to handle raw asbestos personally. Bystander exposure often occurred when nearby workers disturbed insulation, gaskets, cement board, brake products, or fireproofing materials.

Military Veterans

Military veterans experienced asbestos exposure aboard ships, inside vehicles and aircraft, and throughout military facilities.

Possible exposure locations included:

Engine rooms
Boiler rooms
Pump rooms
Mechanical spaces
Aircraft hangars
Vehicle maintenance shops
Barracks
Base housing
Shipyards
Dry docks
Power plants
Warehouses
Hospitals
Training facilities

The U.S. Navy used large quantities of asbestos aboard ships, but personnel from every military branch may have encountered asbestos-containing products and equipment.

Learn more through our U.S. Military Veterans Asbestos Exposure resource.

Secondhand Household Exposure

Workers often carried asbestos dust home on:

Clothing
Shoes
Hair
Skin
Tools
Lunchboxes
Vehicles
Personal belongings

Spouses and children could inhale fibers while:

Washing work clothes
Shaking out dusty uniforms
Cleaning contaminated vehicles
Hugging a worker returning home
Playing near dusty shoes or equipment
Living in a contaminated home

Household exposure can cause the same asbestos-related diseases as direct occupational exposure.

Environmental and Community Exposure

Asbestos exposure can also occur outside the workplace.

Community exposure may affect people living near:

Asbestos mines
Vermiculite processing facilities
Shipyards
Power plants
Refineries
Factories
Demolition projects
Waste sites
Naturally occurring asbestos deposits

Fibers may be released into the surrounding air, soil, or household dust.

Residents may not know they were exposed until a disease is diagnosed decades later.

Common Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Disease

Symptoms vary by condition, but common warning signs include:

Persistent shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Chest pain
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Reduced exercise tolerance
Recurrent pleural effusion
Abdominal swelling
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Finger clubbing

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has an asbestos-related disease. Many common illnesses cause similar problems.

However, anyone with a significant exposure history and persistent symptoms should speak with a qualified physician.

How Asbestos Diseases Are Diagnosed

No single test detects every asbestos-related disease.

A medical evaluation may include:

Exposure and Employment History

Doctors may ask about:

Employers
Job titles
Work locations
Military assignments
Products handled
Equipment repaired
Coworker activities
Home renovations
Family members’ occupations
Residential history
Smoking history

Physical Examination

A physician may listen for:

Crackling sounds
Reduced breath sounds
Signs of fluid buildup
Low oxygen levels
Finger clubbing

Chest X-Ray

An X-ray may show:

Pleural plaques
Lung scarring
Fluid buildup
Pleural thickening
Suspicious masses

CT Scan

CT imaging provides greater detail and may reveal abnormalities not visible on standard X-rays.

Pulmonary Function Testing

These tests measure:

Lung volume
Airflow
Oxygen transfer
Restrictive breathing patterns
Functional impairment

PET Scan or MRI

These imaging studies may help evaluate suspicious tumors, cancer spread, or surgical options.

Thoracentesis

A physician removes pleural fluid for testing.

Fluid analysis may help identify infection, inflammation, or cancer, although fluid testing alone may not confirm mesothelioma.

Biopsy

A tissue biopsy is generally required to confirm mesothelioma or lung cancer.

A pathologist examines cells and may use specialized staining to distinguish between:

Mesothelioma
Lung adenocarcinoma
Metastatic cancer
Benign pleural disease
Other tumors

Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult

Asbestos-related diseases can be challenging to diagnose because:

Symptoms may be mild at first.
Diseases develop decades after exposure.
Patients may not remember asbestos contact.
Many products were not labeled.
Symptoms overlap with common illnesses.
Pleural disease may resemble cancer on imaging.
Mesothelioma may resemble lung cancer.
Multiple respiratory diseases may exist together.

A patient may have asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the same time.

Evaluation by physicians familiar with occupational lung disease or mesothelioma can be especially important.

Is There a Screening Test for Asbestos Disease?

There is no single standard screening test that reliably detects every asbestos-related disease in all exposed individuals.

Doctors may recommend personalized surveillance based on:

Exposure intensity
Years since first exposure
Age
Smoking history
Existing pleural abnormalities
Breathing symptoms
Family and medical history

Monitoring may include:

Periodic examinations
Pulmonary function tests
Chest imaging
Low-dose CT scans for qualifying lung-cancer-risk patients
Symptom review
Referral to a pulmonologist

Screening plans should be developed with a qualified medical provider.

Treatment for Asbestos-Related Diseases

Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Cancer Treatment

Treatment for mesothelioma or lung cancer may include:

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Tumor Treating Fields in selected mesothelioma cases
Clinical trials
Palliative care
Fluid-management procedures

The treatment plan depends on cancer type, stage, cell type, location, general health, and patient preferences.

Treatment for Noncancerous Disease

Treatment for asbestosis or pleural disease may include:

Supplemental oxygen
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Inhaled medication
Vaccinations
Infection prevention
Treatment of heart complications
Smoking cessation
Fluid drainage
Pain management
Physical activity adapted to lung capacity
Palliative respiratory support

Treatment cannot remove asbestos fibers from the body, but it may reduce symptoms and improve function.

Medical Steps After a Diagnosis

After receiving an asbestos-related diagnosis:

Obtain a Copy of the Medical Record

Gather:

Pathology reports
Imaging results
Pulmonary function results
Physician notes
Hospital records
Treatment recommendations

Seek an Appropriate Specialist

Depending on the condition, the patient may need:

A pulmonologist
A thoracic oncologist
A mesothelioma specialist
A thoracic surgeon
A radiation oncologist
An occupational-medicine physician
A palliative-care specialist

Document the Exposure History

Write down:

Every employer
Job dates
Job sites
Work duties
Products used
Equipment repaired
Military service
Ships or bases
Coworkers
Household exposure
Home renovations

Stop Additional Exposure

Do not disturb suspected asbestos materials. Qualified asbestos professionals should inspect, test, contain, or remove them.

Avoid Smoking

Stopping smoking cannot reverse previous damage, but it can reduce further lung injury and improve treatment tolerance.

Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases

People diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may qualify for financial compensation.

Possible sources include:

Asbestos trust funds
Personal injury lawsuits
Wrongful death lawsuits
VA disability benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Workers’ compensation
Social Security disability
Insurance benefits

Eligibility depends on:

The specific diagnosis
Exposure history
Responsible products or companies
State law
Military service
Filing deadlines
Available medical evidence

Mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer commonly support legal and trust-fund claims. Some asbestos trusts also recognize asbestosis and other nonmalignant diseases when medical and exposure requirements are met.

Proving an Asbestos Disease Claim

A claim typically requires evidence of both disease and exposure.

Medical evidence may include:

Pathology reports
Biopsy results
Imaging
Pulmonary function tests
Physician diagnosis
Death certificate
Treatment records

Exposure evidence may include:

Employment records
Social Security work history
Military records
Union records
Ship or base assignments
Coworker testimony
Product records
Job-site databases
Invoices and purchasing records
Family-member statements
Historical industrial records

Patients do not need to remember the name of every asbestos product. An experienced exposure investigation may identify products and companies based on the person’s occupation, job site, dates, and work activities.

Filing Deadlines

Every state has legal deadlines for asbestos claims.

The filing period may begin:

On the date of diagnosis
When the disease reasonably should have been discovered
On the date of death
When the relationship to asbestos became known

The original exposure date is usually decades earlier and may not control the filing deadline.

Because deadlines vary, a prompt case review is important after a diagnosis.

Free Asbestos Disease Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, help may be available.

A case review can help determine:

✓ Where exposure may have happened

✓ Which asbestos products were involved

✓ Which companies may be responsible

✓ Whether asbestos trust funds are available

✓ Whether military benefits may apply

✓ Whether a lawsuit can be filed

✓ Which state deadline applies

✓ Whether family members can pursue compensation

Call 800.291.0963

Speak with a real person about your diagnosis, work history, military service, and possible asbestos exposure.

The consultation is free and confidential.

Open 24/7, 365 Days a Year

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Diseases

What Are the Three Main Diseases Caused by Asbestos?

The three best-known diseases are mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos can also cause pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural effusions, and certain other cancers.

Is Asbestosis a Form of Cancer?

No. Asbestosis is a noncancerous disease involving permanent scarring of lung tissue.

Is Mesothelioma the Same as Lung Cancer?

No. Mesothelioma usually begins in the tissue surrounding the lungs. Lung cancer begins inside the lung or airway tissue.

Can Pleural Plaques Become Cancer?

Pleural plaques are noncancerous and are not generally considered precancerous. However, they provide evidence of past asbestos exposure, which may independently increase the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Can Asbestos Cause COPD?

Asbestos primarily causes interstitial fibrosis, pleural disease, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. COPD is more strongly associated with smoking and other airborne irritants. A patient can have COPD and an asbestos-related disease simultaneously.

Does Every Person Exposed to Asbestos Become Sick?

No. Most exposed people do not develop a diagnosed asbestos-related disease. Risk generally increases with greater exposure, longer duration, and additional risk factors.

Can a Short Asbestos Exposure Cause Disease?

Heavy or repeated exposure generally creates greater risk, but no exposure level is considered completely risk-free. Some diagnosed patients report relatively limited documented exposure.

How Long Does Asbestos Disease Take to Develop?

Many asbestos-related diseases develop 20 to 50 years or more after the initial exposure.

Can Children Develop Asbestos Diseases?

Asbestos diseases usually take decades to appear, so they are uncommon during childhood. However, childhood exposure can contribute to disease later in life.

Does Smoking Cause Mesothelioma?

No. Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. It does increase lung cancer risk, especially when combined with asbestos exposure.

Can Nonsmokers Develop Asbestos Lung Cancer?

Yes. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

Can a Family Member Develop Disease From Washing Work Clothes?

Yes. Spouses and other family members have developed mesothelioma and other diseases after repeated exposure to asbestos dust brought home on clothing.

Can I Receive Compensation for Asbestosis?

Possibly. Some asbestos trusts, workers’ compensation programs, VA benefit programs, and legal claims recognize qualifying asbestosis diagnoses.

What Should I Do If I Have Pleural Plaques?

Discuss the findings and your asbestos history with a qualified physician. The doctor may recommend symptom monitoring, lung-function testing, or periodic imaging.

Can Asbestos Fibers Be Removed From the Lungs?

There is no established medical procedure that safely removes microscopic asbestos fibers embedded throughout lung or pleural tissue.

Can Family Members File After an Asbestos-Related Death?

Eligible family members or estate representatives may be able to pursue wrongful death claims, asbestos trust claims, or survivor benefits. Eligibility depends on state law and the circumstances of the case.

Related Asbestos Disease Resources

Explore these resources for more detailed information:

The Bottom Line

Asbestos exposure can cause several different malignant and nonmalignant diseases.

The major conditions include:

Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestosis
Pleural plaques
Diffuse pleural thickening
Benign pleural effusion
Rounded atelectasis
Certain additional cancers

These illnesses may not appear until decades after the original exposure. Workers, veterans, family members, and residents of contaminated communities may therefore receive diagnoses long after the responsible products or companies have disappeared.

A complete medical evaluation and detailed exposure history can help identify the disease, guide treatment, and determine whether compensation may be available.

Call 800.291.0963 for a Free Case Evaluation

Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.