Asbestos is the most common industrial substance known to cause lung cancer. When asbestos fibers break apart, microscopic particles are released into the air. These fibers are easily inhaled and can lodge in the lungs, damaging cells and increasing the risk of cancer. The risk of asbestos-related lung cancer is substantially higher for those who were, or are now smokers, as opposed to those who have never smoked.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, repeated pneumonia or bronchitis, fatigue, loss of appetite or weight loss.
Treatment
Options for the treatment of lung cancer depend on factors such as the size, location and type of the cancer, and the overall health of the patient. As with all cancers, early diagnosis may be the most important element in a successful treatment program.
ASBESTOSIS
Asbestosis is a form of diffuse pulmonary fibrosis caused exclusively by inhaling asbestos fiber. It is a chronic and irreversible lung condition characterized by scarring of the lower lobes of the lungs, leading to a decrease in healthy tissue. As a result, the lungs become stiff and do not allow for normal expansion and contraction.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the chest, chest pain, a crackling sound in the chest or clubbing of the fingers. Diagnosis of asbestosis is generally made through a chest x-ray, with the films interpreted by a Certified B-reader, or through a high resolution CT scan.
Treatment
Since asbestosis is a progressive disease, monitoring on a regular basis is essential following a diagnosis. If the disease worsens, inhalers or oxygen may be necessary to alleviate discomfort.
