Following acute or chronic asbestos exposure, individuals may develop esophageal cancer. The toxic asbestos fibers can get lodged in the throat and esophagus when working in contaminated areas. It is known that certain industries and positions place individuals at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases.
Tumors that develop in the esophagus form between the throat and the stomach. Cancer cells can begin growing in the lining of the esophagus.
Asbestos was used regularly in buildings and industrial facilities up until the 1980s as a natural resistance to fire, electricity, and chemical corrosion. But the substance is now a known cancer-causing agent, and many workers exposed to the toxin have developed esophageal cancer and other occupational lung diseases.
Specific jobs have been seen as more at risk, including those workers frequently handling asbestos materials and working in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
The Lyon Firm has settled many asbestos exposure cases on behalf of victims nationwide, and is investigating new esophageal cancer cases on a contingency fee basis. Call for a free case review.
Esophageal Cancer Types
There are differences in esophageal cancers depending on the cell type
(gland and squamous) and location where tumors develop. Tumors primarily grow in lining of the esophagus.
If there is adenocarcinoma, cancer cells are growing in the mucus-producing glands of an organ, usually the lower part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas can grow in the lungs and stomach as well.
Squamous cell carcinoma refers to the upper and middle regions of the esophagus which can contain cancerous cells that grow and spread.
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of esophageal cancer usually don’t appear until the late stages of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chronic chest pain, pressure, or burning
- Trouble swallowing
- Excessive heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
Workplaces Associated with Asbestos Exposure
There are professions that are more associated with asbestos exposure than others, generally because of the materials used in a job or where the position was located. Occupations most likely to present an occupational exposure include:
- Plumbers & Pipefitters
- Auto Mechanics
- Electricians
- Maintenance Crews
- Welders
- Machine operators
The most common jobsites include:
- Shipyards
- Steel Plants
- Rail Yards
- Military Installations
- Factories & Warehouses
- Automotive Manufacturing Plants
- Construction & Demolition Sites
- Paper Mills
- Oil Refineries
