CANCER CARERS SUPPORT
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ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral which for many years has been popular in manufacturing and industry due to its strength, chemical and thermal stability. There are several types of asbestos including: chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.
Up until very recently asbestos was mined in many countries throughout the world. Increasing awareness of the danger of asbestos and of the tragic number of innocent victims who have lost their life because of it, has resulted in many countries banning the mining of asbestos.
Asbestos fibres can remain in the lungs for up to 45 years before the onset of disease. People who were exposed to asbestos back in the 70’s and 80’s could tragically find themselves being diagnosed with asbestosis or
Asbestos Disease Societies are ceaseless in their efforts to ban asbestos mining on a global scale. Despite their efforts however, asbestos mining continues. Tragically for some unscrupulous people, the accumulation of wealth far out weighs the value of human life.
Fact: Even if we were successful in banning the mining of asbestos from every country in the world today – It will be 5 decades before we see the end of asbestos related disease and death.
Fact: Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos dust will succumb to asbestos related disease.
Inhalation of asbestos dust can result in the following:
Pleural Plaques: are bilateral areas of fibrosis present upon the inner surface of the ribcage and the diaphragm. They are often partly calcified. Pleural plaques by themselves are benign and cannot change into cancer.
Pneumoconiosis: fibrosis and scarring of the lungs as a result of repeated inhalation of occupationally associated dust, such as silica, asbestos, and coal dust.
Asbestosis: is scarring of lung tissue resulting in diminished breathing capacity.
Pleurodesis: a medical procedure using chemicals or drugs to prevent the build-up of fluid in the pleural cavity. A variety of agents can be used for this procedure including talc.
Pneumonectomy: surgical procedure to remove the entire lung.
Treatments:
Most chemotherapeutic drugs are given into a vein or into muscle. Some chemotherapy treatments are taken orally. Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment which means that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.
Chemotherapy treatment is generally given in cycles whereby following a round of treatment the patient has a period of recovery before commencing further treatment.
Side effects: As a result of chemotherapy, there are a number of side effects that may be experienced. These include: hair loss, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. Side effects may vary depending on the type and strength of the drug being administered. There are excellent drugs available to control nausea associated with chemotherapy.
Radio Therapy: In radiation therapy, high energy rays are used to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy is a local treatment that unlike chemotherapy affecting both healthy and unhealthy cells, only affects cells in the area being treated.
There are two types of radiation. Radiation coming from an external machine, or from a small container of radioactive material being implanted directly into or near the tumour. Some patients may be given both kinds of radiation.
Side effects: of radiation therapy will depend on the treatment dose as well as which part of the body was treated. Common side effects are: redness and rashes on the skin, loss of appetite and in some cases inflammation of tissues and organs near to the treated area.
Radio therapy can also result in a decreased number of white blood cells. In most cases any side effects caused by radiation treatment can be treated or controlled and are not generally permanent.
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Disclaimer: Content on the cancer carers support website is intended to provide information and support to those who have and particularly those who are caring for loved ones with mesothelioma, asbestosis and other cancers. The information provided has not necessarily been prepared or endorsed by licensed medical professionals and should NOT be taken as medical advice. Those injured by asbestos and suffering from asbestosis and mesothelioma are encourged to consult with their physician for medical advice.
