Asbestos Lung Cancer
Recent studies have proven that repeated exposure to asbestos is a leading cause of lung cancer. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos are at even greater risk.
Asbestos Lung Cancer: General Information
Mesothelioma, also known as Asbestos Lung Cancer, a type of cancer is caused when asbestos particles are inhaled. It affects the internal lining of the lungs known as the bronchi. It has been known to affect other areas of the body such as the alveoli, bronchioles, and the trachea. Usually, Asbestos lung cancer is slow to spread, but often times the cells can divide rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. It has been known to affect the abdomen, reproductive organs, and the heart.
There are two common types of lung cancer. The fist and the most common is Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC constitutes nearly 80% of all lung cancer cases. The second most common type of lung cancer is known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for nearly 20% of all lung cancer cases. Most recently a third type of lung cancer immerging known as mixed small cell / large cell cancer.
Mesothelioma multiples rapidly and results in tumors. These tumors often spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. In its initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic. Early symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. The disease has a long window period and these symptoms may not show themselves for quite some time. To diagnois Asbestos lung cancer in its early stages, one would have to take tests such as perform imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm samples.
Many doctors rely on auscultation, listening for an irregular sound patter that is characteristic with Asbestos lung cancer and may follow up with an x-ray to detect any irregular opaque areas. X-ray diagnosis of Asbestos lung cancer is hard in that it can give incorrect information if the doctor interpreting the s-ray is not highly skilled. The simplest way to diagnose Asbestos lung cancer is to determine if the person has been exposed to asbestos and correlate that to other test results.
While treatments for Asbestos lung cancer are improving, it is often and debilitating and fatal disease. If you are suffering from Asbestos lung cancer, you may be eligible for compensation to pay for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income. Always make sure to rely on an attorney who specializes in recovering losses due to Asbestos exposure.