The most prominent asbestos cancer is mesothelioma. However, there are other asbestos diseases that are important to understand. These include:
- Asbestos lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Asbestos pleural disease
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells. These cells form tissue that surround or line the lungs, heart, and stomach. The mesothelial cells protect these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows them to move smoothly.
The three primary types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the lining of the abdomen
- Pericardial mesothelioma which affects the heart and surrounding cavity
Asbestos and Lung Cancer
Studies have proven an increased risk of developing lung cancer in individuals exposed to asbestos. This risk increases further if the individual smokes. Most asbestos-related lung cancer begins in the bronchi lining but can also begin in areas such as the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli (lung air sacs).
The two most common types of lung cancer are:
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which the cells are small and round and accounts for 80% of cases
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NCLC) which the cells are larger
Asbestos and Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a nonmalignant disease in which chronic inflammation occurs in the lung tissue. The cause is inhaling asbestos fibers which irritate the lungs. Much like mesothelioma, asbestosis occurs years after the fibers are inhaled. Patients with asbestosis are at higher risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.
Some asbestosis symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, initially only with exertion, but eventually even while resting
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Finger clubbing in some cases
Asbestos Pleural Disease
Asbestos pleural disease is nonmalignant and occurs when inhalation of asbestos fibers scar the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the lung and chest cavity. This differs from asbestosis which scars the lungs.
Pleural thickening and plaques cause shortness of breath and impair lung function. While the symptoms are treatable, asbestos pleural disease is permanent and continues to progress due to the asbestos fibers in the body.