Allen Kneller, 78, died at Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower on October 8.
An inquest into his death was opened at East London Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, October 21.
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine said Mr Kneller had been suffering from lung cancer but doctors referred his death to the coroner’s court as a potential secondary cause of death was identified as pulmonary fibrosis.
That condition may have been caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, doctors said.
Whilst there is no clear evidence that exposure to asbestos caused Mr Kneller’s death, Mr Irvine decided an inquest was required to investigate further.
The court gave Mr Kneller’s last known address as Berkshire Close in Hornchurch.
A full inquest is set to take place in April next year.
