Asbestos is a silicate mineral found in materials like drywall, insulation, floor tiles, and siding. Prolonged asbestos exposure can contribute to health issues like cancer, so homeowners who are concerned about the material should be aware of potential symptoms. Some diseases are often associated with the mineral, so keep an eye out for the following health problems and call for asbestos removal to avoid future issues.

What Diseases Are Associated With Asbestos?

1. Lung Cancer

A study found that individuals who work in ship repair, electricity, maintenance, and construction have a high prevalence of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure.

Participants had adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that begins in the mucus glands and spreads to kill off healthy tissues. Some study patients had squamous cell carcinoma or small cell lung carcinoma, which affect the cells that line the lungs.

Symptoms of these fast-growing diseases include respiratory issues like coughing, chest pain, and a hoarse voice. Diagnosing lung cancer includes sputum cytology, tissue samples, and imaging tests to look for masses and abnormal cell growth.

2. Asbestosis

Individuals who have experienced asbestos exposure often have asbestosis, a benign disease caused by fibers attaching to the lung lining. The condition creates scar tissues that make it difficult to breathe and can lead to death if they restrict the organs.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry coughing, fingertip swelling, and chronic fatigue. Doctors diagnose this condition through CT scans and X-rays that indicate lung scarring.

3. Mesothelioma

When asbestos attaches to the lung lining, the tissue may genetically mutate to create tumors called mesothelioma. This disease can cause tissue lumps under the skin, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen, causing stomach pain, nausea, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling. 

Testing for mesothelioma includes CT scans, positron emission tomography, and MRIs to understand the extent of the abnormal cell growth. This type of cancer is aggressive. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are available. Surgery may also be appropriate. Additionally, researchers are working hard to find new methods of treatment, some of which are available through clinical trials. 

 

If you’re concerned about asbestos exposure, contact Astech in Bridgeport, CT. The professional asbestos removal company is insured and licensed to mitigate asbestos fibers on industrial, commercial, and residential properties. Call (203) 335-0502 or visit the website for information on their asbestos removal services.