Asbestos Lung Cancer - Version 1 Asbestos lung cancer is not caused by smoking. The pleural lining is a membrane that surrounds the lungs. Asbestos lung cancer is a form of cancer in the lungs that is the direct result of exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are chronically inhaled, the mineral's deadly fibers infiltrate the lungs and attack the mucus lining of the trachea. Asbestos lung cancer usually grows gradually and the cancer cells break that broaden to the other parts of the body. The two types of asbestos lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment: To make sure you are staying in proper health, don't forget to make appointments with your doctor. However, exposure to asbestos presents added urgency for routine appointments. Asbestos lung cancer affects the parenchymal tissue of the lung, while pleural mesothelioma affects the mesothelial tissue that lines the lung cavity.