Exposure to asbestos may produce one or more of the asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma, lung cancer, other forms of cancer, and asbestosis.
MESOTHELIOMA
Mesothelioma is an incurable, rare form of cancer of the lining of the lungs and peritoneum and is only caused by asbestos exposure. There are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year, and victims usually die within 18 months of being diagnosed. Symptoms of asbestos disease can take 10-50 years to appear.
And in the case of mesothelioma, the symptoms typically dont show up until the cancer is advanced. The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma, and symptoms include recent onset of shortness of breath, recent increase in shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, weight loss, weakness, and the most common finding upon physical examination is pleural effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.
The only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is exposure to asbestos. It is an aggressive form of cancer often times fatal within 24-48 months of diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is not lung cancer and is not caused by smoking.
There is ongoing research into the treatment and cure for mesothelioma. The most commonly recognized forms of treatment include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Because this is a relatively rare form of cancer, many doctors do not have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. There are a few major cancer centers that have in depth knowledge of this disease.
LUNG CANCER
Lung Cancer can be cause by asbestos. As many know, smoking cigarettes may also cause cancer; however, the combination of smoking cigarettes and inhaling asbestos fibers can be deadly. Medical research has shown that those who smoked cigarettes and were exposed to asbestos have a ninety times greater risk of developing lung cancer than those who smoked, but were never exposed to asbestos. The treatment for lung cancer depends many factors including the patients health and the size, location, and extent of the tumor. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, or any combination of these.
ASBESTOSIS
Asbestosis is scarring of lung tissue caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers irrate the lung tissue causing the body to react with an inflammatory response and eventually scar tissue forms in the lungs. The scar tissue causes the lungs to become stiff and nonpliable. The ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen is reduced. This results in a reduction in the lung capacity. The individual with asbestosis usually complains of shortness of breath and the breathing tests will be abnormal.