Asbestos is a commonly used industrial material that is present in many different substances, including insulation and shingles. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Asbestos and Cancer
Asbestos exposure has been linked to two distinct types of cancer. Asbestos is the primary risk factor for the development of mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the tissue, known as the pleura, which lines the organs of the chest and portion of the groin. Exposure to asbestos is also associated with the development of lung cancer, the American Cancer Society notes. Asbestos has also been linked with an increased risk of cancer of the larynx, though the association is not as strong as with mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos can also potentially lead to stomach and colon cancer.
Mechanism
Asbestos is a compound that is commonly found in insulation and other kinds of building materials. Dust from asbestos contains small particles of this material, which can then settle in the stomach or in the lungs, the Mayo Clinic explains. These particles can stay in the tissue for an extended period of time. Buildup of asbestos particles can cause the affected cells to become irritated. Although scientists do not entirely understand how this irritation leads to cancer, it is clear that prolonged asbestos exposure can increase a patient's risk of certain kinds of cancer.
People at Risk
Most people are exposed to low levels of asbestos in their lifetime, the National Cancer Institute explains. This is because there are low levels of asbestos present in the air, soil and water. In general, these quantities of asbestos are too low to cause any appreciable change in a person's risk of getting cancer. People who work with asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, have an increased risk of developing cancer. This is also true for people who have regular exposure to materials that have high levels of asbestos.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of lung cancer include difficulty in breathing and a persistent cough that can produce blood, Medline Plus notes. Patients may also have chronic chest pain and experience wheezing or hoarseness on a regular basis. Other symptoms include swelling of the face and neck, recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite and sudden weight loss. In some cases, the lung cancer cells can secrete hormones which can disrupt the normal hormonal balance throughout the body.
Mesotheliomas Symptoms
The two most common types of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, the Mayo Clinic notes. Patients with pleural mesothelioma often experience painful coughing and breathing, and shortness of breath. Unexplained lumps under the skin on the chest, as well as pain that originates under the rib cage are also common symptoms. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also suffer from sudden weight loss and a dry cough. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdomen, may develop abdominal swelling and pain. They may also develop lumps in the abdomen and changes in their bowel movements.
