Asbestos, a naturally occurring complex silicate, was extensively used in many industries, including insulation in ship building, manufacture of brake linings, and automobiles. Asbestos is a common name given to a group of six fibrous minerals which have their existence in two general forms, friable and non-friable. The toxic effects induced by Asbestos inhalation include desquamating alveolitis, bronchiolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Other more serious health ailments caused by Asbestos exposure include pleural effusion, pleural plaques, pleural calcification, and Asbestos Cancer (mesothelioma).
Asbestos Cancer, a serious health problem associated with Asbestos exposure, starts when cells found in mesothelium (a protective lining that covers most of the internal organs of the body) becomes abnormal and divide without control or order. These cancer cells may spread to damage tissues and organs. The diagnosis of Asbestos Cancer is difficult with pleural cytology. The characteristic radiographic feature of the disease is massive pleural effusion.
The disease is almost three times more common in males as compared to females. The maximum number of Asbestos Cancer cases is reported in the age group of 40 -60 years. The most common symptoms observed during the onset of Asbestos Cancer include asthenia, breathlessness, and dull chest pain. Other less frequent symptoms include cough, fever, and loss of weight. Haemoptysis is a symptom of Asbestos Cancer which is rarely observed.
The therapeutic (chemotherapy or immunotherapy) means are mostly unable to help significantly in the treatment. Even radiotherapy and pleurectomy fail as effective treatment options. The average patient’s survival after the diagnosis of Asbestos Cancer is 8 to 10 months. The most preferable option can be of preventive treatment for Asbestos Cancer. Strict industrial safety measures, proper hygiene, and regular check up of workers exposed to Asbestos must form the crucial part of serious Asbestos Cancer preventive treatment methods.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Asbestos And Mesothelioma 1
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Asbestos, a naturally occurring complex silicate, was extensively used in many industries, including insulation in shipbuilding, manufacture of brake lining, and automobiles. Asbestos is a common name given to a group of six fibrous minerals which have their existence in two general forms, friable and...
-
Asbestos
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Asbestos, a naturally occurring complex silicate, was extensively used in many industries, including insulation in ship building, manufacture of brake linings, and automobiles. Asbestos is a common name given to a group of six fibrous minerals which have their existence in two general forms, friable...
-
Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mesothelioma is one of the most uncommon forms of cancer. It generally affects the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. The most common form of this disease is pleural mesothelioma. The pleuron is a slight membrane between the chest cavity and the lungs. The lubrication it...
-
Asbestos Lung Cancer
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
People with a history of asbestos exposure are about seven times more likely to die from lung cancer than those who are unexposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is associated with all types of lung cancer, and with a rare type of cancer called malignant mesothelioma,...
-
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, commonly linked with prior exposure to asbestos. In this disease, cancerous cells grow in the protective lining (mesothelium) covering the internal organs of the body. This disease is commonly located in the outer lining of the chest cavity...
-
Asbestos Exposure
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Asbestos, being regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NTP, DEP, IARC, HHAG, and EPA, falls on the Hazardous substance list. Also, because of the associated carcinogenic effect, it falls on the Special Health Hazard Substance List. Workplace Exposure limits for Asbestos fibers...
-
Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Overview
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Malignant mesotheliomas are rare cancers that form in the tissues lining the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common, accounting for about 75 percent of all malignant mesotheliomas. Between ten and twenty...
-
Lung Cancer
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Lung cancer is the most frequently lethal cancer in the United States. Among all causes of death, lung cancer ranks second after heart disease for males, and third after heart and cerebrovascular disease for females. In 2002 alone, over 150,000 people in the United States...
-
Lung Cancer Symptoms
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician....
-
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest and lungs. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-moving cancer with a median survival time...