Asbestos-Related Illnesses Overview

Asbestos-related illnesses are serious health conditions caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Once widely used in construction and manufacturing, asbestos can lead to multiple diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer, stomach cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions such as asbestosis. Because asbestos fibers can remain in the body for decades, symptoms often appear long after exposure, making early detection difficult.

This page provides an overview of asbestos-related health risks, including types of mesothelioma, cancers linked to asbestos exposure, and the mechanisms behind these illnesses.

Asbestos diseases often remain hidden for decades � symptoms typically emerge long after exposure has occurred.

Mesothelioma Overview

Mesothelioma is one of the most common asbestos-related illnesses. It is an aggressive and rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the thin membranes lining the chest wall, abdomen, heart, and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, occurring in 70% to 79% of cases. Treatment options may include surgery, immunotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Symptoms may appear 20 to 60 years after exposure. Mesothelioma is classified by location (pleural or peritoneal) and by cell type (epithelioid or sarcomatoid).

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, the protective lining of the lungs. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup around the lungs. It accounts for about 80% of all mesothelioma cases.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, digestive issues, and rapid weight loss. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is also classified by cell type. The two dominant types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type, representing 50% to 70% of cases. Symptoms may include persistent coughing, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. This type generally responds better to treatment and has a longer life expectancy.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the rarest and most aggressive form, accounting for 10% to 20% of diagnoses. Symptoms may include widespread pain, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing. This type is highly resistant to treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes.