Asbestos and Lung Cancer – What You Need to Know

Asbestos and lung cancer have been partners for the past 100 years. Asbestos and lung cancer go together like salt and pepper. Unfortunately, most people who have contracted mesothelioma have had occupations where they were exposed to and inhaled asbestos fibers and dust particles, but were unaware of the link between asbestos and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which can be either benign or malignant. It is located in the mesothelium which is a thin protective tissue covering most internal organs of the body. The only known cause of mesothelioma results from exposure to and inhalation of asbestos particles floating in the air, and hence the link between asbestos and lung cancer.

Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, a chronic non-cancerous progressive lung disease, can result from the inhalation of asbestos fibers or dust over the long term. Even though asbestos and lung cancer have had a known association for decades, new cases of asbestos-caused cancer continue to appear every year. The more people become aware of the association between asbestos and lung cancer, the fewer cases we will see.

Asbestos and Lung Cancer – The Risk is Due to Total Lifetime Exposure

Asbestos is most commonly found in the mining, milling, manufacturing, application, or removal of asbestos products. Asbestos was banned from use decades ago, but still exists in products produced before they were banned. The risk of developing a progressive lung disease, lung cancer, or mesothelioma is related to the total lifetime exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos awareness training is one way to protect yourself from asbestos and lung cancer because it will help you to identify toxic asbestos-containing materials. Once the offending materials are recognized asbestos removal can be performed. Without understanding the correlation between asbestos and lung cancer, or being able to spot asbestos products, the risk of exposure is greater.

What is asbestos and where can you find it?

Asbestos is a group of minerals that are resistant to heat and chemicals. They are fibrous mineral forms of impure magnesium silicate and found in fire-retardant products, electrical insulation, cement, roof shingles, acoustic and decorative ceiling plaster, and other building materials. When tiny asbestos dust or fibers become airborne due to removal, repair, or from being disturbed, they can be deeply inhaled into the lungs, causing mesothelioma, lung cancer and progressive lung disease. Asbestos and lung cancer have been known companions for decades, but asbestos is still causing cancer due to its ability to remain unidentified in many homes and buildings.

Asbestos and Lung Cancer – How Does Mesothelioma Develop?

Asbestos appears to promote the production of lung cancer, but is not the actual cause. Once asbestos fibers enter the lungs the body’s immune system cells attempt to eliminate them from the body. However, the immune cells die which cause the body to develop scar tissue surrounding the dead cells. The scar tissue continues to develop until there is a sufficient amount to cause the lungs to stop working. The risk of developing lung cancer is increased in smokers with asbestosis. Asbestos and lung cancer are life-threatening problems, but the risk is greatly increased in individuals who are both heavy smokers and exposed to asbestos.

Cancer in the mesothelium is a result of abnormal tissue cells dividing without control. Cancer cells can metastasize, which means they can invade tissues that are close to the cancerous area, and spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream to other parts of the body. Mesothelial tumors normally develop in the mesothelium of the pleura or peritoneum. The pleura is the thin membrane covering each lung and folding back to make a lining for the chest cavity. The peritoneum is tissue lining the walls of the abdominal cavity which enclose the soft internal organs. Primary mesothelial cancerous tumors of the tissue surrounding the heart are rare.

Asbestos and Lung Cancer – Is it Fatal?

Mesotheliomas associated with asbestos exposure are almost always fatal within 2 to 4 years from the time it is diagnosed. The National Cancer Institute continues to sponsor clinical trials, hoping that they will someday lead to a cure or at least new and improved treatment methods.

It is important to remove or contain any asbestos-containing materials that you may become exposed to. The asbestos removal cost is well worth the peace of mind you will receive knowing you are not breathing this toxic substance.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer, also known as mesothelioma, you can receive a free packet that contains information about specific treatments geared to your particular diagnosis. The packet also includes top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers across the nation, in addition to several options for financial assistance that may help cover medical costs. Click here to receive your complimentary mesothelioma packet by mail and learn all about asbestos and lung cancer.

Asbestos and Lung Cancer: A Brief History of Asbestos