Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that has been widely used in building materials such as roofing tiles, drywall, and concrete, as well as in automotive parts, such as brake pads. It is also found in furnaces and boilers, hair dryers, and other products. It has been a popular component of these products because it is heat resistant, a fire retardant, and does not conduct electricity well.

When asbestos breaks down, such as when it is cut, torn, or drilled, fibers are released into the air. The fibers do not evaporate, dissolve, or break down easily. When asbestos fibers enter the lungs, the body will try to expel them, but many fibers may still remain and become embedded in the lung tissue. This can lead to scarring of the lungs, as well as the abnormal development of various cell types. Long-term or heavy exposure to asbestos has been linked with the development of asbestos lung cancer. Asbestos exposure can also lead to the development of asbestosis, which is the scarring of the lung tissue. Asbestos exposure has been reported to lead to the development of lung cancer in 1 out of 7 cases.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its earliest stages lung cancer generally does not display signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms typically occur when the cancer is in more advanced stages. Symptoms may include a persistent cough that does not go away, a chronic cough, coughing up blood (even minimal amounts), a shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness, loss of appetite, fatigue, recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis, weight loss, and swelling of the neck and face.

If you have displayed symptoms that are related to lung cancer, it is important to see a doctor. It is important to inform your doctor about any exposure to asbestos you may have experienced. A doctor may use a number of diagnostic tests to determine whether or not you have lung cancer. These tests may include imaging tests, such as x-rays or CT scans; sputum (matter that is coughed up) cytology, meaning an examination of the matter under the microscope; and examination of lung tissue samples. Upon diagnosis of lung cancer, doctors will then determine what stage the cancer has progressed to.

Complications of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can cause other health complications, including fluid in the chest, cancer that spreads to other parts of the body, and death. Lung cancer can cause a buildup of fluid in the space that surrounds the lungs, called the pleural space. Buildup of fluid in this region is referred to as pleural effusion. In addition, lung cancer can metastasize, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lung, brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands. Unfortunately, the survival rates for people with lung cancer are not high. Lung cancer is fatal within a year of diagnosis for approximately 60 percent of people diagnosed with the disease.

The treatment options for lung cancer vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. In the first stage, the treatment is surgery. In stage two, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In the first phase of stage three, treatment may be a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, and occasionally, surgery. Treatment in the second phase of stage three is chemotherapy and sometimes radiation. In the fourth stage of lung cancer, treatment may include chemotherapy, drug therapy, participation in clinical trials, or supportive care such as hospice.

Asbestos related lung cancer can be a difficult diagnosis to deal with. It is important to seek support from family and friends, as well as support groups of people who are going through the same thing.

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