Asbestos Cancer Prognosis
Asbestos cancer has got wide attention in the recent times and this has been a serious problem not only in the developed world, but also in the developing world. The cancer occurs as a result of exposure to some asbestos fiber that will penetrate deep into the lungs and the heart. The main problem the person who has made contact with the fiber is that the body will not be able to expel the fiber and slowly, it will turn out to be cancerous. There are several instances of the disease as it was a commonly used material for years in the past. Still there are instances of the disease because it takes even decades to develop the disease.
Who is at risk?
Asbestos is still mined in many parts of the world and it is a natural material that consists of varying lengths of fibers. When asbestos is used or when some renovation takes place in old houses that are built with asbestos, the fiber and dust will spread in the air and naturally it will be swallowed or inhaled and thus it will come to the lungs of the ones who are present there. The immune system in the body will try to keep it away which in turn makes some inflammation. Scarring occurs as a result of the attempt of the body to throw it away and later it develops as an uncomfortable lung condition that could ultimately lead to the development of asbestos cancer.
The disease has spread to many parts of the world because of the ignorance of the users of asbestos products and the people who are most affected are the ones from the industrial setting, especially from chemical plants, oil refineries, machine shops, power plants, foundries, commercial and residential sites, and the ones who are engaged in government and private shipyards. The United States Navy has also contributed its share in the spread of the disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
The initial symptoms of the disease will be usually neglected since it begins with tight sensation of the chest, weight loss, cough and sometimes, vomiting. Many people consider it as ordinary flu and will be treated accordingly. In course of time, the tightness in the chest becomes severe and there will be difficulty in breathing and other symptoms will also come into action. Scans, x-rays and blood tests are usually performed to assess the situation and if the person is affected with asbestos cancer, he needs immediate medical attention. For the treatment of asbestos cancer also, chemotherapy and radiation are used.
Conclusion
Asbestos cancer is a serious problem and it need to be treated with utmost care. Though there are treatments, many of the patients know about the disease only at a later stage and this will make the treatment virtually impossible. The best thing one can do is to keep away from asbestos and if he has been exposed to it in the past, make regular check ups to make sure that he is clean.
Comments on this entry are closed.