Does asbestos exposure cause lung cancer?
Although exposure to asbestos alone can lead to lung cancer, the risk increases dramatically in smokers of cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.
* In nonsmokers who have been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is five times that of unexposed workers.
* In smokers who have not been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is eleven times that of non–smokers.
* In heavy smokers with asbestos exposure, the risk of lung cancer is at least 16 times higher than that of unexposed nonsmokers.
Lung cancer in asbestos–exposed and unexposed individuals is similar in both the type of cancer and its signs and symptoms. The link between cigarette smoking, asbestos and cancer of the lung itself does not apply to cancer of the lining of the lung (see malignant mesothelioma section below). Diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is a complex topic and a pulmonary specialist should be involved in the workup of a suspected lung cancer.
What is malignant mesothelioma?
Asbestos is the only known risk factor for malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the tissue lining the lung (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is not associated with cigarette smoking but is strongly linked with the degree of asbestos exposure. However, 20% to 40% of patients with malignant mesothelioma have no prior asbestos exposure. In malignant mesothelioma, there is a very long duration between exposure and the onset of disease, usually greater than 30 years.
What other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure?
Other malignancies have been linked to asbestos, including cancers of the voice box (larynx), upper throat (oropharynx), kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder.
Although exposure to asbestos alone can lead to lung cancer, the risk increases dramatically in smokers of cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.
* In nonsmokers who have been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is five times that of unexposed workers.
* In smokers who have not been exposed to asbestos, the risk of lung cancer is eleven times that of non–smokers.
* In heavy smokers with asbestos exposure, the risk of lung cancer is at least 16 times higher than that of unexposed nonsmokers.
Lung cancer in asbestos–exposed and unexposed individuals is similar in both the type of cancer and its signs and symptoms. The link between cigarette smoking, asbestos and cancer of the lung itself does not apply to cancer of the lining of the lung (see malignant mesothelioma section below). Diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is a complex topic and a pulmonary specialist should be involved in the workup of a suspected lung cancer.
What is malignant mesothelioma?
Asbestos is the only known risk factor for malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the tissue lining the lung (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is not associated with cigarette smoking but is strongly linked with the degree of asbestos exposure. However, 20% to 40% of patients with malignant mesothelioma have no prior asbestos exposure. In malignant mesothelioma, there is a very long duration between exposure and the onset of disease, usually greater than 30 years.
What other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure?
Other malignancies have been linked to asbestos, including cancers of the voice box (larynx), upper throat (oropharynx), kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder.
Labels: Mesothelioma Abestos
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