Two main categories encompass several more specific forms of lung cancer. The two broad categories of the different types of lung cancer are:
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Roughly 15-20% percent of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers, making it by far the rarer category of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for roughly 87 percent of lung cancer cases, making it the most common category of lung cancer.
The Causes of the Different Types of Lung Cancer
Smoking remains the greatest cause of lung cancer today. Smoking increases your risk of developing lung cancer, yet some still choose to smoke. Less publicized are the other risk factors for lung cancer, which include:
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- Exposure to radon gas
- Exposure to asbestos particles
- Family history of lung cancer
In most cases, exposure to second-hand smoke and family history of lung cancer are difficult or impossible to avoid, for differing reasons. However, the two other primary risk factors for developing lung cancer, exposure to asbestos and radon gas, are far more avoidable. If your lung cancer is the result of exposure to either of these two harmful substances, then you could be entitled to financial awards from a liable party.
Explaining Radon Gas and Asbestos
Most people who develop lung cancer from breathing radon gas or asbestos particles have no idea that they are at risk until it is too late and they have already developed cancer. Radon gas and asbestos are both silent, odorless toxins, and their potential health impacts are massive.
Radon Gas Is A Silent, Odorless Killer
Radon gas occurs naturally, as it arises from the breakdown of uranium in soil or rock. Certain regions are more susceptible to high levels of radon, and when the gas is released outdoors, it is considered largely harmless.
However, when radon builds up indoors it can become deadly. Radon is most likely to build up in small, sealed places without windows. This makes basements and other unventilated spaces high-risk environments for unsafe levels of radon.
It is ultimately the responsibility of those in charge of buildings to test for radon at regular intervals and take steps to remove any radon that they detect. If you have developed lung cancer and believe that radon exposure could be the cause, consider where you were possibly exposed.
Some possible defendants in a radon exposure case include:
- Landlords
- Employers
- Municipalities such as school districts or local governments
- Building managers
You can breathe radon for years without realizing it, and this can ultimately cause lung cancer.
Asbestos Particles Can Cause Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock and soil. It has a fibrous texture and is used in building materials because it is resistant to both fire and corrosion. Breathing asbestos particles can also cause scarring in the lungs that, if untreated, may turn cells cancerous over time. The three primary health conditions associated with breathing asbestos particles are:
- Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer for which breathing asbestos is the only known cause
- Other forms of lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Since asbestos is common in building materials such as insulation, and because fibers are released into the air when tearing asbestos, some groups are at a heightened risk of breathing asbestos particles. These groups include:
- Demolition crews
- Construction crews
- Pipe fitters
- Anyone who works around insulation, such as pest control specialists and air conditioning repairmen
Anybody who works, lives, or spends time in a structure where asbestos-containing material is exposed or improperly installed may be at risk of developing asbestos-induced health conditions such as lung cancer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
A Lawyer Can Help with Your Asbestos or Radon Exposure Case
Non-smokers who receive a diagnosis of one of the different types of lung cancer may be at a loss as to how they developed the disease. Asbestos or radon exposure are two possible causes, and if you suspect that either of these substances may have caused your cancer, then a lawyer can help you bring a case against the liable party.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Helping you identify the liable party
- Bringing legal action immediately to abide by any relevant statutes of limitation
- Collecting evidence for your case
- Handling all legal responsibilities necessary to complete a judgment or settlement
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
If your case is successful, you could collect financial awards covering your losses. Such awards may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any other hardship related to your illness.
Call Our Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
We will help you begin your case today. Call us at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation regarding your case. Our clients pay nothing out of pocket, nothing up front, and we only collect a fee if we secure a settlement or judgment.
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