What Are the Causes of White Lung Cancer (Asbestosis)?

Asbestosis refers to a lung disease that is caused due to inhalation of asbestos fibres. It is also known as White Lung Cancer because asbestosis looks like a large white area in the X-ray of the lungs. The symptoms of this disease range from mild to severe. 

The main symptom is shortness of breath. Continue reading to know more about White Lung Cancer, its causes and more.As someone who has seen Asbestosis closely in the family, let us dive into what the disease entails. 

Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral from fibrous silicate, the leading cause of asbestosis. It also causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. This mineral contains asbestos fibres that are resistant to heat and are used for insulation. It is also corrosion-resistant and used in products such as floor tiles, cement, and other building construction materials.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

You may not notice the symptoms of asbestos for many years after exposure (say 10 to 40 years). The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. The different symptoms & signs of asbestosis are:

• Chest Pain
• Tightness Around Chest
• Clubbing of Fingers – The toes & fingers appear to be rounder and more comprehensive than normal
• Weight Loss
• Appetite Loss
• Incessant Dry Cough 
• Shortness of Breath

If a person has any work experience with asbestos or asbestosis products and feels shortness of breath, then they should consult a physician for diagnosis so that they can get the proper white lung cancer treatment. 

Asbestosis Causes

Asbestos is the only cause of asbestosis; the disease is also named after this mineral. People who are exposed to a high level of asbestos can accumulate asbestos fibre into their lungs. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in a tiny sac of the lung called alveoli. 

Also Read: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO IMPROVE YOUR LUNG CANCER TREATMENT

Asbestos fibres cause scarring in lung tissue and irritation in the alveoli. Over time, the alveoli of the lung become stiff and less flexible. This reduces carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange, thereby causing shortness of breath.

The lung needs to expand and contract to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. But following scarring of lung tissues, the lung will not expand and contract much due to stiffness.

Another thing that increases the progress of asbestosis in a person is cigarette or tobacco smoking. Smoking doesn’t allow the lung to remove asbestos fibre and forces it to retain it. This increases the progress speed of the disease.

Patients with white lung cancer may have to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy in India can find the best treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre. Visit us today.

Risk Factors of Asbestosis

People who have worked for several years in the following areas have more risk of getting asbestosis:

• Removal of Asbestos Products
• Installation of Asbestos Products
• Manufacturing Asbestos Products
• Milling Asbestos Products
• Mining Asbestos Products

Also Read: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER

The hazards associated with working with asbestos materials are very high. So, it’s better to avoid this exposure. Get the best treatment today and stop the disease at once.