Asbestos Lung Cancer Symptoms

Top Signs of Asbestos Lung Cancer

Symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer often resemble those of other types of lung cancer. The symptoms don’t appear until 20-50 years after exposure to this harmful material, making early detection challenging.

Most lung cancer patients don’t experience any symptoms until tumors begin to spread, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Signs of asbestos lung cancer may include: 

• A cough that won't go away
• Back, chest, or shoulder pain
• Bronchitis
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Recurring infections
• Rounding and thickening of fingernails (clubbing)
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Many lung cancer symptoms also overlap with those of other health issues, ranging from minor diseases like the flu to aggressive cancers like mesothelioma.

At Sokolove Law, we can help determine if asbestos may have played a role in your lung cancer diagnosis and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Back Pain

Back pain is often an early sign of lung cancer. This pain may occur if a lung tumor grows into bones or nerves near the spine and chest wall, putting pressure on them.

About 25% of lung cancer patients develop back pain, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that causes inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs. It causes a cough, body aches, a sore throat, and more.

“While every cough or case of bronchitis isn’t a reason to believe you have lung cancer, if you are at high risk of developing lung cancer, paying attention to the early warning signs is critical.”
– Dr. Russell Hales, Lung Cancer Specialist

Chronic bronchitis is associated with a higher risk of lung cancer, according to a report from the medical journal Carcinogenesis.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is among the most common lung cancer symptoms, according to the ACS. Chest pain may worsen if a lung cancer patient coughs, laughs, or takes a deep breath.

Between 20% and 40% of all lung cancer patients will experience chest pain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Coughing

A persistent cough is a very common asbestos-related lung cancer symptom. Anywhere from 50% to 75%of patients experience a nagging cough, as noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Roughly 15% to 30% of patients cough up blood.

Since coughing is a symptom of many less serious respiratory conditions, it's often overlooked. However, it’s important to see a health care provider if a cough lasts more than a few weeks.

Coughing is also a common sign of other asbestos-related diseases like pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lung lining.

Fatigue

Lung cancer patients often develop fatigue or extreme tiredness. It can result from the cancer itself or from related symptoms like loss of appetite, pain, and depression, according to the ACS.

Up to 80% of lung cancer survivors experience fatigue at some point due to the cancer or treatments,  as noted by the American Thoracic Society.

Infection

Repeated infections, like chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, could be a sign of lung cancer or other serious asbestos-related cancers.

Lung tumors may block airways, which can cause patients to experience recurring infections, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Lung Cancer and Nail Clubbing

Up to 35% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop clubbing, a condition where the tips of the fingers and toes become enlarged and rounded, according to Cleveland Clinic.

You can check for nail clubbing at home using the Schamroth window test. Place the nail beds of your index fingers against each other. Normally, this creates a small diamond-shaped gap between the nails. If you don’t see that gap, it could be a sign of clubbing.

Shortness of Breath

Lung cancer patients may experience shortness of breath (dyspnea) if tumors grow into lung airways and make breathing difficult.

Anywhere from 25% to 40% of lung cancer patients develop shortness of breath, as noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be a sign of lung cancer, which may occur if tumors spread to the bones around the shoulder and press on nearby nerves, according to the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Shoulder pain is also a common symptom of a rare type of lung cancer called Pancoast tumors. These cause pain and weakness in the arms, which is known as Pancoast syndrome, as noted by Cleveland Clinic.

Weight Loss

Asbestos lung cancer patients may lose weight due to appetite loss, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, depression, and other factors. Chemotherapy can also make it difficult for patients to swallow or eat, increasing the risk of weight loss.

Significant weight loss can weaken the body and make it harder to fight cancer. Roughly 50% of lung cancer patients suffer skeletal muscle loss, which correlates to a poorer life expectancy, according to Science Direct.

Other Lung Cancer Asbestos Symptoms

Besides the lung cancer symptoms listed above, there are several other less common symptoms that patients could develop.

Uncommon symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include: 

• Balance problems
• Blood clots
• Too much calcium (hypercalcemia, which causes digestive problems)

Lung cancer patients could also have other asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis (which causes the lungs to become stiff and scarred) and pleural plaques (buildup of protein in the lung lining).

What Are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?

Common early signs of lung cancer include a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest, back, or shoulders, according to the cancer center City of Hope.

However, many cases of lung cancer may not cause any symptoms until they are advanced, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

If you are concerned about your risk of asbestos-related lung cancer but aren’t yet experiencing any symptoms, you can talk to a doctor about next steps to take.

Lung cancer screenings are recommended for current or former smokers ages 50 and older to help diagnose them before symptoms appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

End-Stage Lung Cancer Symptoms

In cases of advanced lung cancer, the disease has spread to other parts of the body. While common signs like a cough may worsen, additional symptoms may appear depending on where the cancer has spread.

Advanced lung cancer symptoms may include: 

• Bone pain
• Headaches
• Swelling around the neck and face
• Weight and appetite loss

Doctors can use different diagnostic tests to help determine if your symptoms are the result of advanced asbestos-related lung cancer.

Signs of Lung Cancer in Women

The signs of lung cancer are not significantly different between women and men, per the Moffitt Cancer Center.

However, women are more likely to develop lung cancer in areas of the lungs other than the main airways, according to Richmond University Medical Center. This can affect how and when symptoms appear.

A cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in the back, chest, or shoulders are all common symptoms of lung cancer in women.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Men

Men typically develop symptoms of lung cancer that affect the main airways of the lungs, like difficulty breathing and a cough, as noted by Richmond University Medical Center.

Other common symptoms of lung cancer in men include wheezing and chest pain, according to Utah Cancer Specialists.

At Sokolove Law, we may be able to help both men and women pursue asbestos lung cancer compensation for treatments and other expenses.

Lung Cancer Symptoms by Stage

Doctors use stages to measure how lung cancer tumors have grown and whether they’ve spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos lung cancer patients sometimes have symptoms in early stages. However, it's more common for patients to develop the first symptoms of lung cancer in later stages after the tumors have spread.

Stage 1 Lung Cancer Symptoms

In stage 1, lung cancer tumors are small and have just started to form, so they haven’t spread past the lungs. Patients usually don't experience any noticeable symptoms, according to the Moffitt Cancer Center.

However, some stage 1 lung cancer symptoms may include: 

• A cough that doesn’t go away
• Chest pain
• Frequent lung-related infections
• Shortness of breath

At Sokolove Law, our asbestos lung cancer law firm may be able to help you or a loved one seek compensation after a diagnosis — regardless of what stage your cancer is at.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Symptoms

Stage 2 lung cancer tumors are still relatively small but may begin to reach into nearby lymph nodes and other areas within the chest, as noted by the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Stage 2 lung cancer symptoms are rare but may include: 

• A recurring cough that causes bloody mucus
• Lung infections that keep coming back
• Pain in the chest
• Trouble breathing

However, many stage 2 lung cancer patients still will not experience any symptoms, making a diagnosis at this stage very uncommon.

Stage 3 Lung Cancer Symptoms

With stage 3 lung cancer, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body outside of the lungs and chest.

Common signs of stage 3 lung cancer include: 

• A persistent cough and wheezing
• Appetite loss
• Chest pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Hoarse voice
• Repeated lung infections
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Most patients start to develop symptoms at this stage, as noted by the Moffitt Cancer Center.

“I felt a little funny and I coughed up some blood. I knew that was not right. And being that I was a smoker, I definitely had to have it checked out.”
– Gabriella, Stage 3 Lung Cancer Patient

Stage 4 Lung Cancer Symptoms

Stage 4 lung cancer is the most advanced and final stage of this disease. Distant metastasis has occurred, causing significant symptoms that vary depending on where the cancer has spread, according to the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Stage 4 lung cancer signs may include: 

• Bone pain in cases of bone metastasis
• Dizziness, headaches, and seizures due to brain metastasis
• Jaundice as a result of liver metastasis
• Numbness in the arms and legs from brain metastasis

Additionally, patients may experience worsening of other symptoms that appear in earlier stages, such as cough, pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

What If I Have Signs of Asbestos Lung Cancer?

If you have possible lung cancer symptoms and were ever exposed to asbestos or other cancer-causing materials, the ACS recommends seeing a doctor promptly to get screened.

“If you go to your doctor when you first notice lung cancer symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.”
– American Cancer Society

Even if you don't know how you were exposed to asbestos, it's possible your lung cancer was caused by this toxic mineral. Asbestos was used in industries like shipbuilding and construction for most of the 20th century, and workers weren't warned about the risks.

If asbestos caused you or your loved one to get sick, you may be eligible for compensation from lung cancer claims. The average payout is $100,000, but we've secured far more for many clients across the country – sometimes over $1 Million.

However, you only have a limited amount of time to work with our asbestos law firm, as each state has set deadlines for taking legal action.

Get Justice for Lung Cancer Asbestos Symptoms

For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of families affected by lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious diseases caused by asbestos exposure.

Our lung cancer lawyers have recovered more than $5.7 Billion to date, allowing families to afford compensation for treatments and any other expenses.

There are never any upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our attorneys. We’re also able to help clients in all 50 states pursue justice after an asbestos lung cancer diagnosis.

Don’t wait: Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to see if we can help you or someone you love.

Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Symptom FAQs