ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES

Lung Cancer:

Asbestos associated lung cancers can be of all different cell types (squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, small cell and large cell) and can occur in all areas of the lung (upper and lower lobes). Lung cancer is primarily caused by cigarette smoking, however in exposed individuals asbestos can play a significant role in the development of lung cancer. To indict asbestos in lung cancer, conservative doctors believe there must be underlying asbestosis. More liberal doctors believe the presence of pleural plaquing is enough to blame asbestos as a contributing cause to lung cancer. Asbestos is a carcinogen. It causes cancer. It typically enters the body through breathing, and it attacks the respiratory system, especially the lungs. A person who has been exposed to asbestos and who smokes has a far greater chance of developing lung cancer than a smoker without asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis:

Asbestosis is a permanent scarring of the lung tissue itself. This is usually accompanied by pleural plaques. Essentially it is not life threatening like cancer. It is more like emphysema caused by smoking. It causes shortness of breath that does not improve, but can get worse.

Pleural Plaquing:

Pleural Plaquing is the most benign form of asbestos disease. Essentially it is the formation of calcified scars in the pleura. Since the pleura does not affect the functioning of your lung, this condition is merely considered a marker of exposure, but not a disabling disease process. This can take as long as 20 years to develop from your date of first exposure to asbestos.