Asbestos Exposure: An Invitation To Asbestos Lung Cancer
Studies have proved that lung cancer is increasingly affecting asbestos-workers. Dose–response relationship has bolstered the fact that asbestos-workers, who are smokers, are at great risks of contracting this lethal disease.
Asbestos Lung Cancer: General Information
Asbestos lung cancer, clinically known as Mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that is caused due to inhalation of asbestos particles. It initially affects the internal lining of the bronchi, an organ inside both the lungs. However, it can also affect other areas of the human body such as the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. Asbestos lung cancer is known to progress at a slow pace. Sometimes these cells divide rapidly and then spread to other parts. It has also been found to affect heart, abdomen and reproductive organs.
There are two most common types of lung cancer: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), constituting about 80% of lung cancer cases, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which constitutes about 20% of lung cancer cases. There is also a third type called mixed small cell/large cell cancer. It has features of both types and hence the name. The cancer cells multiply rapidly and result in tumors. These tumors spread to the lymph node and other organs. In its initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic. As the disease has a long "window-period", the symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain do not show for a long period. In order to diagnose the Asbestos lung cancer at an initial stage, one needs to perform imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm samples.
A physician may perform auscultation for any irregular sound, which is characteristic of Asbestos lung cancer, and suggest an x-ray to detect any irregular opaque areas in the lungs. However, x-ray findings cannot be completely relied upon. At times, they may give wrong information or a not-so-experienced physician may misinterpret the x-ray findings. Therefore, the best way to diagnose the asbestos lung cancers is to find out whether the person has ever been exposed to asbestos. Thereafter the physician can correlate it with other clinical findings to diagnose asbestos lung cancer.
Asbestos lung cancer is a deadly disease and result in heavy expenses for its treatment. Victims suffering from asbestos lung cancers can seek compensation for their medical expenses, loss of income, pain and sufferings. They can file lawsuits against the owners of companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.
