ASBESTOS-RELATED LUNG CANCER
Exposure to asbestos is a known cause of lung cancer. Unlike mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura), lung cancer originates inside the lung tissue itself. Over time, asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage that can lead to tumor formation.
TYPES OF LUNG CANCER
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC):
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC):
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma is a fast-growing and aggressive form of lung cancer and is strongly associated with smoking and occupational exposures. This type accounts for roughly 10-15% of all lung cancer cases.
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma is the more common type and it accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. This category includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Asbestos exposure can contribute to the development of lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer.
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience the following:
Persistent cough, sometimes with blood (hemoptysis)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Chest pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Hoarseness or wheezing
ASBESTOS & LUNG CANCER RISK
Both asbestos exposure and tobacco smoking independently increase the risk of lung cancer. When combined, the risk is substantially greater than the risk associated with either exposure alone.
Asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for many years, causing inflammation and cellular damage that may contribute to the development of lung cancer. Smoking can further increase this risk. People with a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure and smoking history with their healthcare provider.
LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Early detection is key to improving lung cancer treatment outcomes. Because lung cancer symptoms often develop gradually, diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, laboratory analysis, and biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage.
Doctors often begin with imaging tests to detect abnormalities in the lungs and assess whether cancer may have spread. Common imaging tests include:
Imaging Tests
Chest X-ray: Often the first test performed, X-rays can reveal masses, fluid buildup, or lung abnormalities. However, further testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A detailed 3D scan that provides cross-sectional images of the lungs. CT scans are highly effective in detecting small tumors that may not be visible on an X-ray.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: A PET scan helps determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body by identifying areas of high metabolic activity, a characteristic of cancer cells.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used in specific cases, MRIs can help detect if lung cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord.
Laboratory Analysis
If a patient has a persistent cough with mucus (sputum), doctors may examine a sample under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. This test is called a sputum cytology and is non-invasive and can help detect lung cancer in its early stages.
Biopsy Procedures
A tissue or fluid sample is generally needed to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis and determine its type. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the lung or surrounding lymph nodes for examination. Several biopsy techniques may be used:
Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the airways and collect tissue samples.
Needle Biopsy (Fine-Needle Aspiration or Core Biopsy): A needle is inserted through the chest wall to extract lung tissue. This is often done with CT or ultrasound guidance.
Thoracentesis: If fluid has accumulated around the lungs (pleural effusion), a doctor may extract and analyze the fluid to check for cancer cells.
Mediastinoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small incision is made at the base of the neck to examine lymph nodes and determine if cancer has spread.
Surgical Biopsy (Thoracotomy or VATS - Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery): In some cases, a larger tissue sample is needed, and doctors may perform surgery to remove part of a lung for more detailed analysis.
Genetic & Molecular Testing
For patients diagnosed with lung cancer, additional genetic testing of the tumor may be conducted to identify specific mutations (such as EGFR, ALK, KRAS) that can help guide targeted therapy. These personalized treatment options may improve outcomes for certain patients.
STAGING LUNG CANCER
Once lung cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its stage, which helps guide treatment decisions:
Stage 1
The cancer is small and confined to the lung. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Surgery is often the main treatment. Lung cancer found at an earlier stage generally has more treatment options and a better chance of successful treatment.
Stage 2
At this stage, the cancer may be larger or may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it is still limited to the lung area. Patients often have multiple treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation.
Stage 3
In stage 3, the cancer has spread within the chest to nearby lymph nodes or structures but not to distant organs. Surgery is often not possible, so treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes immunotherapy.
Stage 4
In this final stage, the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs or other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or brain. Treatment focuses on controlling the disease, easing symptoms, and improving quality of life.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SCREENING
Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening can help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage in certain people at high risk. Current screening recommendations primarily consider age and smoking history.
People with a history of occupational or military asbestos exposure should tell their healthcare provider about that exposure. A doctor can evaluate individual risk factors and determine whether additional monitoring or screening is appropriate.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advances in treatment have provided many options to help manage the disease and improve quality of life. The best approach depends on the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as an individual’s overall health.
Surgery
In some cases, doctors may recommend removing part of the lung (lobectomy) or, in more advanced cases, an entire lung (pneumonectomy). Surgery is most effective when the cancer is detected early.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
A systemic treatment that helps slow the growth of cancer cells or eliminate them. It is often used when cancer has spread beyond the lungs.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies act on specific molecular changes in cancer cells, while immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer.
LUNG CANCER AND VETERANS
Many U.S. military veterans, including those who served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, were exposed to asbestos during their service. This exposure commonly occurred aboard ships and in barracks, aircraft, military bases, and vehicle maintenance facilities, where asbestos-containing materials were widely used for insulation and fire protection.
Because asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, veterans exposed during military service may not develop lung cancer or other asbestos-related conditions until many years later.
Veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer who were exposed during military service may qualify for VA disability benefits. They may also be eligible to pursue compensation from the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure through legal claims or asbestos trust funds.
Published by: Veterans Asbestos Alliance
Reviewer: T. Scott Hames, Asbestos Litigation Attorney
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources:
• National Cancer Institute, Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet
• National Cancer Institute, Lung Cancer
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Lung Cancer: Screening
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure during military service, we are here to help. Contact us, our team specializes in assisting veterans and their families in securing the compensation and benefits they deserve.