Other lung conditions
Although asbestos is the best known cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause a variety of other problems. The specific mechanism by which the fibers cause cancer and other diseases is still debated but what is clear is that once the fibers enter the body and can not be removed and cause lung problems years after exposure has ceased.
Some of these problems may be precursors to serious diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. When thin asbestos fibers that are like needles, enter the two pleural membranes that line the lungs, cause these layers to thicken. If this is dispensed for a wide area and interferes with breathing, can cause what is known as diffuse pleural thickening. If the thickening is restricted to small areas, these areas are called pleural plaques.
Pleural effusion, another possible symptom of mesothelioma is the name for a presence of fluid between the two layers of the pleura. Usually caused as a result of heart failure, but the irritation causing asbestos fibers can also cause it. These episodes are not cancerous, but the pleural thickening or pleural effusion is seen on an x-ray may be a visible symptom of mesothelioma
Other diseases caused by asbestos although not related to cancer are dangerous. Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease caused by the often snuff. Although an unquestionable link between COPD and inhalation of asbestos has yet to be established, in nonsmokers is known that COPD is caused as a result of inhaling toxins, usually in the patient's work environment. Asbestos is sometimes one of those toxins.
Another disease that can result from environmental factors is what is known as interstitial lung disease. This disease has many causes, from an infection resulting from the chemotherapy drugs to asbestosis. Since there are many causes and many factors influence many treatments for this disease and that will depend on the individual patient's symptoms. If left untreated, this disease can cause pulmonary fibrosis or scarring of the lungs
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