What
is Asbestos lung cancer?
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General Information About Asbestos lung cancerAsbestosisAbestosis is the scarring of the tissue of the lung itself from inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers. It usually is diagnosed after a physical examination, x-ray and a breathing test. While potentially far more serious than pleural disease, asbestosis can present a confusing picture. The first thing to remember is that asbestosis can range in severity from "mild" asbestosis, which causes little, if any, impairment, all the way to "severe" asbestosis, which is horribly disabling and eventually fatal. Many doctors who do not have a good understanding of asbestos-related diseases tend to use the term "asbestosis" as a buzzword for any and all conditions related to asbestos. Asbestosis is commonly referred to as:
Lung CancerLung cancer occurs when malignant cells originate in the lung. It is the most common asbestos-related cancer found in present or ex-smokers who have a history of asbestos exposure. There are three types of small cell lung cancer. These three types include many different types of cells. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The types of small cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look when viewed under a microscope:
Smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for developing small cell lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. Risk factors for small cell lung cancer include:
Symptoms of Lung CancerThese and other symptoms may be caused by small cell lung cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
Tests and procedures that examine the lung cancer The following tests and procedures may be used: Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body. Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken. Sputum cytology: A microscope is used to check for cancer cells in the sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs). Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body. These tests help to diagnose disease, plan and check treatment, or monitor the disease over time. Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy. Fine needle aspiration biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. A pathologist views the tissue or fluid under a microscope to look for cancer cells. This procedure is also called a needle biopsy. Thoracentesis: Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and chest wall) through a needle inserted between the ribs.
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