What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries.
Chemically, asbestos minerals are silicate compounds, meaning they contain atoms of silicon and oxygen in their molecular structure.
Asbestos minerals are divided into two major groups: Serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. Serpentine asbestos includes the mineral chrysotile, which has long, curly fibers that can be woven. Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used most widely in commercial applications. Amphibole asbestos includes the minerals actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite. Amphibole asbestos has straight, needle-like fibers that are more brittle than those of serpentine asbestos and are more limited in their ability to be fabricated
Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer
Asbestos Lung Cancer Among Workers
Studies show an increase in lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos. This increase is particularly significant among asbestos–exposed workers who smoke. A dose–response relationship exists both for the degree of asbestos exposure and the amount of cigarette smoking. Search Asbestos and Cigarettes.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Explained
Most asbestos lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. However, asbestos lung cancer can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs). Although lung cancer usually develops slowly, once it occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body.
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in which the cancer cells are larger. Sometimes a cancer has features of both types, and is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer.
Non–small cell lung cancer accounts for almost 80% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers (American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer). Although the cancer cells are small, they can multiply quickly and form large tumors. The tumors can spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs.
Early–stage asbestos lung cancer may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples. Search Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Asbestos can cause the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
Pain or tightening in the chest.
Difficulty swallowing.
Swelling of the neck or face.
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Fatigue or anemia.
