Asbestos and Lung Cancer – Two Deadly Cousins
Lung cancer which has been caused by asbestos is called mesothelioma which is why asbestos and lung cancer are so closely related. Although it is not very common, because asbestos has prohibited in workplaces because of its risks, it is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Since mesothelioma lung cancer, asbestos liver cancer, asbestos asthma, and many other asbestos related diseases have symptoms that are similar to those that come with old age or being out of shape, it is often difficult for people to actually realize that they have an asbestos related disease. Asbestos and lung cancer can be very fatal because people do not catch it early enough, and the only way to treat it is to find it early.
Asbestos is made of tiny fibers, only able to be seen through a microscope, and when a person breathes in, these tiny, sharp fibers are inhaled and accumulate in their lungs and rest of the body. The reason why it was used in the first place was because it was a great material used for fire proofing buildings and workplaces. When people inhale this material, they are first classified as victims of asbestosis, which is when scar tissue is formed in their lungs because of these asbestos fibers. If left untreated, this can turn into mesothelioma, which is a type of lung cancer caused by malignant tumors in the lungs.
Asbestos and Lung Cancer Detection
So how do you know if you are a victim of asbestos or if you have one of many asbestos diseases? Although it is often difficult to detect, if you have a feeling that you have been exposed to asbestos and you start to notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Many people tend to get a harsh breathing pattern similar to that of smokers. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, shallow breathing, or having difficulty breathing.
The problem with asbestosis, just like most other diseases, is if left untreated, it can develop into a worse disease, mesothelioma. The symptoms get more serious, including more difficulty breathing and chest pains. Many victims fail to realize that it is not just a temporary illness, such as a cold or fever, which is why so many times it goes unchecked.
Asbestos and Lung Cancer Unchecked
The only way to truly diagnose asbestosis or mesothelioma is by x-ray. Doctors can tell if there are any tissues damaged by asbestos fibers, or if there are any tumors growing in their lungs. Unless a scan is taken, there is no way to be sure whether there is a disease or not.
Once you are diagnosed with an asbestos lung disease, such as mesothelioma lung cancer, or a related disease such as asbestos liver cancer, asbestos asthma, asbestos small cell lung cancer, etc., you can begin treatment. There are a few different options for treating these diseases, depending on how far along you are and how serious your specific case is. There are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other experimental therapies available.
How can we prevent future exposure to asbestos? We should wear masks with air filters at all times when in an area with asbestos. Although houses and workplaces are no longer being built with this toxic material, it is still in some buildings made in the past. We are not entirely immune to asbestos and lung cancer so we should take precautions whenever we are unsure.
Video: Asbestos and Lung Cancer
