Asbestos, once a staple of industrial applications – hailed for its heat resistance and insulating properties – has since been linked to a variety of health issues, most notably mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Many causal links between asbestos exposure and a variety of health issues and cancers are now well-researched and conclusive – the connection between asbestos and head and neck cancers, however, remains less clear, surrounded by ongoing research and debate.

Here, we explore the potential risks asbestos poses to head and neck regions, detailing the conditions, symptoms, treatments, and the current understanding of its link to these types of cancers.

Head and Neck Cancers Explained

Head and neck cancers primarily begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth, the nose, and the throat). These cancers are categorically named for the area in which they originate, such as oral cavity, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers; they can also affect salivary glands, but these cancers are less common.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers

The symptoms of head and neck cancers vary depending on the specific location of the cancer but typically include lumps, sores that do not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and changes or hoarseness in the voice. While less common, other symptoms might include unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, ear pain, and changes in the skin around the head and neck area.

Treatment Options

Treatment for head and neck cancers depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:

Surgery to remove the tumor

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

More targeted therapies, such as immunotherapy, are also becoming more prevalent as research advances

Rehabilitation services, including speech therapy and dietary counseling, are often necessary to help recover function after treatment

The Asbestos Connection

Recent research has definitively linked asbestos exposure to laryngeal cancer, with the duration and intensity of exposure significantly increasing the risk of diagnosis. A 2021 study near abandoned asbestos mines in South Korea observed a heightened incidence of laryngeal cancer among local residents, underscoring the real-world impact of asbestos on community health.

Additional studies on rats and Syrian hamsters have shown that while asbestos inhalation at levels sufficient to cause mesothelioma in both species, and lung cancer in rats, it does not lead to chronic inflammation or increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.

The findings clearly underscore the importance of raising awareness and taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks of asbestos exposure – especially for occupational workers. Various types of cancer can develop in and around the throat, depending on the length of exposure, and can impact structures such as the windpipe. Here are three primary cancers that may be linked to asbestos exposure:

Laryngeal Cancer

This cancer forms in the voice box (larynx), often affecting vocal cord function and requiring specialized treatment.

Pharyngeal Cancer

These tumors develop in the upper part of the throat (pharynx), affecting different areas like the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, each of which pose unique diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Oropharyngeal Cancer

A subtype of pharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer occurs specifically in the middle part of the throat (oropharynx) and is frequently linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, influencing both its causes and treatment options.

What Does the Research Tell Us?

One 2022 study of note focused specifically on studying the link between asbestos exposure and head and neck cancers among a cohort of retired or inactive workers in France, spanning a 10-year follow-up period.

The research involved 14,218 subjects – primarily male – with most under the age of 60 at enrollment. Participants underwent medical check-ups including chest CT scans and pulmonary tests, with asbestos exposure quantified through a detailed occupational questionnaire.

Data on asbestos exposure, smoking status, and the incidence of head and neck cancers were all collected; a cumulative exposure index (CEI) was calculated for each subject based on their occupational history, and chest CT scans were assessed for pleural plaques by radiologists.

Results

From the 12,729 men analyzed, 146 cases of head and neck cancers were identified. The study found a significant dose-response relationship between asbestos exposure and the incidence of these cancers, even when excluding laryngeal cancers typically associated with asbestos. However, no association was found between pleural plaques and cancer incidence.

The connection between asbestos exposure and head and neck cancers is a subject of ongoing research and discussion. Unlike lung cancer and mesothelioma, in which a direct link to asbestos exposure has been clearly established, the evidence connecting asbestos to head and neck cancers is less definitive. Some studies have suggested a potential link, particularly in cases where asbestos fibers might be ingested or inhaled, impacting the throat, larynx, or esophagus. Still, these findings have been inconsistent, and the scientific community has not reached a consensus. As such, the relationship between asbestos and head and neck cancers remains classified as potentially linked but disputed and unclear.