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Types of Asbestos Related Lung Diseases
1) Pleural Plaque Disease
A fibrous scar often with calcium can form on the outer surface of the lung.
It usually does not cause any symptoms, and is only noticed on x-rays, as the
calcium in the plaques can be seen. It does not lead to any other disease, and
it is mainly useful as an indicator of asbestos exposure. Lung Function Testing
is usually normal. Very rarely it can be very extensive, encase the lung and
restrict breathing.
2) Asbestosis
If a large amount of asbestos fibres are inhaled, the substance of the lung
can solidify, and restrict oxygen passage, leading to breathlessness. This can
usually be seen on x-rays, or even better on CT scans, and leads to decline
in Lung Function Testing, which measures lung volume, and the ability of oxygen
to diffuse through the lungs to the bloodstream. Slow but steady deterioration
in breathing ability is typical, and fatality is common after several years.
3) Lung Cancer, (Bronchogenic
Carcinoma of the Lung)
Asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of this serious Cancer that occurs
deep inside the substance of the lung in those who smoke. Non-smokers exposed
to asbestos are not considered to be at increased risk of this Cancer. Some
reports suggest that up to 40 percent of smokers exposed to significant amounts
of asbestos could develop this Cancer, as compared to the usual risk of smoking
which is 10 percent. It is this group that much attention is focused, attempting
to diagnose these cancers early, because early detection that can result in
high cure rates with surgery. Any Unusual Chest Symptoms, such as persistent
cough, chest infection, pain, breathlessness, coughing up blood, maybe a sign.
Trials of attempting to detect these cancers early with low-dose CT scans, or
breath testing are proceeding in various parts of the world. The state government
of Victoria has so far declined to participate in these trials.
4) Mesothelioma
This aggressive cancer grows on the outer lining of the lung, and can develop
even with a seemingly trivial exposure to asbestos. Breathlessness, chest pain,
and a collection of fluid between the lungs and the ribs (pleural effusion)
are common. Life expectancy is usually short, averaging 12 months. There is
no accepted proven treatment, but some authorities feel surgery may improve
life expectancy. A latency period of 20 or 30 years after exposure to asbestos
is common prior to the development of this cancer.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, the best advice that you can be offered is to stop smoking, and eat a healthy diet. There Is No Antidote.
Some authorities recommended a low-dose CT scan every one or two years in smokers exposed to asbestos in between the ages of 50 and 70. International trials are proceeding to see if this is worthwhile.
If you are concerned and wish to discuss this further, then consult your local doctor and maybe seek a referral to a doctor with a special interest in this area.
This information supplied by Dr Anthony Sasse, Specialist Respiratory Physician, Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia.
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