Asbestos lung cancer disease is not a common type of lung cancer. This is the most common cause of death in cancer across the USA and UK. As per survey report estimated more than 5,000 deaths caused by this illness. About 90% of the causes of cancer are linked to smoking.
Medical researchers say that in 1942 a member of the National Cancer Institute confirmed asbestos as a cause of lung cancer. Research after research proved the cause-effect connection of asbestos and lung cancer. The Health Administration (OSHA) and Occupational Safety announced that lung cancer was the greatest risk for people who worked with asbestos.
Mesothelioma is another type of lung cancer which is also linked with asbestos
SEE ALSO:: What is Mesothelioma?
Common Things of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer
Both take years to grow, but it takes a few months to spread to distant lymph nodes. Both this Lung Cancer has similar procedures for diagnostics and treatment procedure; though, both these diseases have differing physical characteristics and non-asbestos risk factors.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer?
1. Chest pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Reduced chest expansion
4. Dry cough or wheezing
5. Pleural effusions
6. Coughing up blood
7. Body aches
SEE ALSO:: Symptoms of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
How Asbestos Lung Cancer Developed?
Manufacturers have mined asbestos for use, when someone interrupts an asbestos having product, they discharge the tiny fibers into the air. If it is inhaled by humans then it microfibers trapped in the lungs.
After a long period of time, they cause infection, scarring and other critical medical complications. In some cases, the asbestos micro fibers can even start the growth of lung cancer.
Asbestos Lung Cancer has Ability to Damage Quickly to Other Organs of the Human Body
The asbestos exposure is not doing any damage immediately. First asbestos micro fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs. The size of asbestos fibers also affects the development of cancer, where they become stuck, having implications on whether lung cancer or mesothelioma develops. Researchers discovered that compared to 5mm fibers, 3mm fibers are more likely to stick in the lining of the lungs, and increase the risk of emerging lung cancer.
SEE ALSO:: Stages of Mesothelioma Disease
After inhaling asbestosis fiber for many years, it causes enough cellular damage to generate tumor formation. Sometimes it develops lung cancer like mesothelioma and asbestosis. All will depend on a person’s habits, genetics, health and the duration and concentration of asbestos exposure.
Some Occupational Exposures that have More Chances of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Workers in certain professions like industrial, Shipyard workers have higher risks of emerging asbestos lung cancer. Most of these have poor safety records, many employees rarely wore necessary protective equipment, because of this most of workers put themselves at risk for lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Top Most Occupations that have Higher Chances of Asbestos Lung Cancer
- Auto mechanics
- Construction workers
- Insulation installer
- Roofers
- Tillers
- Plumbers
- Paper mill workers
- Textile workers
- Sheet metal workers
- Toll collectors
- Linotype technicians
Development Period of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Most asbestos related diseases have a long time period to the development of an illness and serious damage. Asbestos lung cancer is normally taking 15 to 35 years to develop and do serious medical issues. Research shows that latency is dependent on the level of exposure.
SEE ALSO:: How Many Types of Mesothelioma?
Lung cancer begins after asbestos fibers have extended to the lungs. These fibers are attached to the lung tissue, once asbestos fibers are inhaled. When the fibers reach to some enough level it starts inflammation, irritation and genetic damage, tumor formation begins.