Asbestos exposure primarily causes two types of cancer: mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the linings of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). It develops from inhaling asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the body’s tissues, leading to inflammation and tumor formation. Lung cancer from asbestos exposure presents similarly to other forms of lung cancer but develops over decades after exposure. Both cancers have a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and are often difficult to treat effectively, making asbestos a significant health hazard.
