Asbestos Related Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

It is now recognised that almost as many deaths from lung cancer are associated with asbestos exposure as with Smoking Tobacco. Asbestos is thought to be responsible for over 37% of all lung cancer cases diagnosed. 

Research recognises that in individuals who have smoked tobacco and who have also come into contact with substantial quantities of asbestos, often in occupations such as shipbuilding, pipe fitting building joinery and demolition, the risk of developing lung cancer is sadly increased even further.

It is estimated that as many deaths each year are associated with asbestos-induced lung cancer as with mesothelioma. It is likely however that his figure may be under-reported as often individuals are simply unaware of the possible link between their diagnosis and work history.

What is the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer rarely found, except in individuals who have come into contact with asbestos, often in very small quantities.

Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs and heart, although it mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles.

More than 2,600 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 60 to 80, and men are affected more commonly than women.

Unfortunately, it’s rarely possible to cure mesothelioma, although treatment can help control the symptoms.

Lung Cancer

Unlike mesothelioma, lung cancer develops within the lung itself. There are two main forms of primary lung cancer. These are classified by the type of cells in which the cancer starts growing. They are:

• Non-small-cell lung cancer – the most common form, accounting for more than 87% of cases. It can be one of three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma.
• Small-cell lung cancer – a less common form that usually spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.

In individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, there will frequently be evidence of fibrosis within the lung, known as Asbestosis.

Can I make a civil claim for compensation if I have received a diagnosis of lung cancer or mesothelioma?

You can claim for asbestos compensation if you were exposed to asbestos fibres or dust while in the workplace, or by contact with contaminated environments and have gone on to develop one or more of the asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The team at Browell Smith & Co are expert asbestos solicitors and have extensive experience in handling complex asbestos cases after working for many years on behalf of those injured by asbestos-related diseases. With our breadth of experience and specialist medical experts, we deliver exceptional service levels to our clients.

Browell Smith & Co have recovered compensation for many victims of asbestos-related injury, including clients now no longer living in the UK. Our personal injury experts have also assisted UK residents who have been exposed to asbestos abroad, particularly in the USA and Europe.

The effects of an asbestos-related injury are far-reaching. We not only seek to secure compensation for our client but to ensure that our clients are provided with all necessary aids and adaptations for their lifetime. Take a look at our personal injury claims calculator to get an idea of the compensation you could receive.

We can also assist with applications to other compensation schemes even where a civil claim may not be possible.

Our team are highly skilled and we can assist our clients in accessing treatments privately that are not currently available via the NHS, such as immunotherapy treatments in Mesothelioma cases.

Contact our personal injury solicitors today!

Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial consultation at any of our offices, in Newcastle, Cramlington, Ashington, and Sunderland, or alternatively at your home, to discuss your particular requirements.