Here’s some information on what is Asbestos Cancer, how it is caused, its general symptoms, risk factors and also find out who is at high risk of this asbestos cancer.
A short note on the various diagnosis tests is also included. All this in just a few seconds of reading!!
Pleural plaques and Asbestosis can result from exposure to asbestos, and more notably so can Asbestos cancer, a deadly cancer that can take many decades to show its symptoms.
As this has a maximum latency period, it becomes highly impossible to diagnose at an early stage. Thirty years or more after the first exposure to asbestos most cases of asbestos cancer cases are diagnosed.
Significant exposure to asbestos increases the risk of asbestos cancer and non-malignant lung and pleural disorders, lung cancer. Risk depends on concentration, duration, frequency and type of asbestos fibers.
What is High Latency Period? Diseases from asbestos exposure take a long time to develop. Fifteen or more years after initial exposure to asbestos most cases occur in asbestos workers.
Quit Smoking!! Yes, smoking greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer in workers exposed to asbestos, although smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma cancer.
Don’t Worry!! Asbestos cancer is considered to be a rare cancer which may affect the abdominal cavity or the peritoneum and the lining of the lungs which is the pleura only on exposure to asbestos. Asbestos cancer occurs more often in men than in women. Risk increases with age.
If you experience any of these symptoms like shortness of breath which is considered to be the primary symptom, chest tightness, chest pain, loss of appetite/weight loss, persistent and productive cough, a crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling you should immediately consult a doctor and a physical examination should be scheduled without delay.
Here’s how Diagnosis is done for Asbestos Cancer. The most common method of detecting asbestos-related disorders is chest X-rays. Asbestos fibers can be measured in feces, mucus, urine or material rinsed out of the lungs.
A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.
Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related diseases.
Note this point that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Other tests also may be necessary.
Do you know who needs to be examined?
Let’s see, individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms.
As noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure.
Be informed that Regulations In 1989, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established before this date are still allowed.
To inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure by removing the asbestos or by covering it up the EPA has established regulations that require school systems.
So all you people out there be very careful and avoid exposure to asbestos, because if not now this will effect you later in your life and this is the best way to prevent Asbestos Cancer. Take Care!!
