Lung Cancer

We all know what cancer means. Lung cancer is the disease in which cells grow uncontrollably in the tissue of the lungs. It can be developed by several causes, but in this article we will talk mostly about lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Lung cancer caused by asbestos

Asbestos related diseases are mostly diseases of the lungs. Lung cancer caused by asbestos is also a lung disease because the small asbestos fibers reach lung tissue and attack it by creating scars. We recommend that you start treatment immediately after being diagnosed with an asbestos disease, such as asbestosis, other wise it can evolve into lung cancer in some cases.

Lung cancer symptoms

The first signs of lung cancer are usually unexplained weakness and constant fatigue. Further symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • The patient cough blood
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite

Lung cancer stages

There are four separate stages in which lung cancer evolves. The first stage of evolution includes small limited areas in which the cancer is located. The lymph nodes are not affected at this point.

The second stage of lung cancer development is divided in two separate semi-stages. The first half of the second stage means that the lymph nodes are still not affected, but the area affected by cancer is now 5 to 7 cm wide. The final development taking place in the second stage is the fact that the lymph nodes near the affected areas are already being infected with cancer cells.

Lung cancer develops further in the third stage. The cancer can be found in many areas in many lymph nodes. It is sufficiently developed to attack the lymph nodes near the heart. The cancer will also develop in another organ in this stage.

In the fourth and final stage of lung cancer the asbestos disease is present in both lungs. It can also create a metastasis to other organs. Patients that reach this stage of development are usually very close to the end of the disease.

Lung cancer treatment

Cancer, all types, is treated using chemotherapy and radio therapy. Usually these treatments are quite efficient, but in the process of destroying cancer cells they also harm normal healthy cells. Scientists are constantly developing new types of treatment, to be as effective as chemotherapy but to avoid damaging healthy cells. It has been told that they are still several decades away from an efficient cure, but recent studies have shown that they are much closer.

Lung cancer prognosis

The best predictions for small cell lung cancer are given to those that have their disease discovered early. They can receive specific treatment allowing them to live longer with lung cancer. There is no way to accurately predict how long a person will live with lung cancer. It mostly depends on the health and immunity of the person. Patients usually live anywhere from six to forty eight months.

Lung cancer statistics

Workers in specific areas are the ones that are most likely to develop asbestos caused lung cancer. This is a statistical probability. Statistics also show that specialized attorney providing with their services in a wrongful exposure trial, provide their clients with 90 percent chances of receiving the compensation money.
 

Please feel free to ask us anything regarding asbestos related issues. Information is completely free.