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Although lung nodules can appear as a result of numerous factors, including tissue scarring from a previous respiratory infection like tuberculosis or pneumonia, they may also be a sign of lung cancer. Since asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer, the presence of one or more nodules in the lungs often indicates the onset of this disease for people with a history of exposure. Nearly 50% of lung nodules are malignant.
Meet Our LawyersA lung nodule, also known as pulmonary nodule, spot on the lung or coin lesion, is a small growth which forms inside the lung. Because lung nodules are not associated with any symptoms, they are often detected during X-rays, CT scans or other imaging tests. Roughly half of these tissue growths are benign, having developed as a consequence of a prior infection (tuberculosis, pneumonia, fungus or sarcoidosis) or due to an enlarged lymph node. However, the other half of lung nodules is malignant.
Occupational asbestos exposure is likely to result in lung cancer within 15 to 35 years, as the level of airborne fibers was very high in the workplace before the 1980s and most employees have been in contact with asbestos for several years in a row. Therefore, if you had a high-risk job in the past and a nodule has recently been detected in your lungs, it might be cancerous. To determine whether a lung nodule is benign or malignant, your doctor will:
If a benign lung nodule has been found in your lungs and you start noticing one or more of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible:
Misdiagnosis is unfortunately a common occurrence among asbestos victims. Regardless of your diagnosis, we advise you to seek a second opinion. A specialist in asbestos diseases with relevant practice experience can help you avoid misdiagnosis, which might prove to be life-saving if your lung nodule is cancerous. Lung cancer from asbestos exposure is responsible for the death of approximately 4,800 people in the U.S. every year.
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