Mesothelioma

This occurs when a large part of the lung tissue is heavily scarred from inhaling asbestos. The mineral silicates of asbestos when inhaled settle in deep areas of the lungs causing scars. People who work with asbestos have a great risk of infection from asbestos and in particular cigarette smokers. Symptoms of asbestosis are slow to develop after a long period and usually after the lungs lose their elasticity and are severely scarred. If asbestos causes tumors to develop in the pleura or in the abdomen it is called mesothelioma and is a form of cancer that is incurable. Mesothelioma sometimes does not develop until many years after exposure. .

Prevention of asbestos diseases can be reduced by eliminating as much fibers and dust from asbestos as possible from working areas, and quitting smoking will be extremely beneficial. Rarely does a person get lung cancer who is not a smoker. All asbestos should be removed from the home. This would be in older homes, as asbestos in the last few years has not been used in home construction. Oxygen treatment will help with breathing problems. Draining the fluid from the lungs provides some relief and there have been some lung transplants that have been successful. The objective of most treatments is to relieve symptoms.

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