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You are in: Home > Chest Information > Chest Conditions > Asbestos–Induced Diseases

Asbestos–Induced Diseases

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which used to be commonly used as an insulating material. Over the past 20 years its use has declined dramatically due to the health–related risks. Asbestos fibres pose a risk to your health if they are inhaled.

There are a variety of diseases caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres:

• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma
• Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening
• Pleural plaques
• Other cancers

If you want more detailed information on asbestos–induced diseases please call our Advice Line on 0845 077 6000.

Clydeside Action on Asbestos is a Scottish charity which provides advice and assistance to people across Scotland who are affected by asbestos–induced diseases.

Asbestosis

• Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Widespread fine scarring occurs in the lungs after the asbestos fibres have irritated and inflamed the lungs. Eventually the scarring develops around the small airways and air sacs and stops the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the blood stream.
• Symptoms include breathlessness and a dry cough; these tend to progress even when there is no further exposure to asbestos. It can eventually lead to severe disability and death.
• Asbestosis often exists without any initial symptoms. Diagnosis involves several tests including a chest x–ray which will show widespread shadowing if asbestosis is present. Other tests may include a CT scan, lung function tests, and a biopsy of the lungs.
• Asbestosis mostly develops in people who have been heavily exposed to asbestos, such as asbestos miners, workers in asbestos factories, and workers who handle insulation materials. The period from first exposure to development of the disease is seldom less than 10 years but is usually much longer.
• Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos will develop asbestosis.
• Asbestosis cannot be cured. However, treatment with inhalers and oxygen therapy can help to make your breathing easier. You will also need to have the flu and pneumococcal vaccines. If you smoke, try to stop, as smoking will make your symptoms worse.

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Mesothelioma

• Mesothelioma is a rapidly–spreading malignant tumour of the pleura or the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs).
• It is related to asbestos exposure. There is usually a long time between initial exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma: approximately 35–40 years.
• Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include pain, weight loss, sweating, coughing and breathlessness. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause a swollen abdomen (stomach) and bowel obstruction.
• Tests to diagnose mesothelioma include x–rays, CT scans and lung biopsies.
• Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pain relief and oxygen therapy can help relieve your symptoms. If you smoke, try to stop, as smoking will make your symptoms worse.

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Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening

• This is when the outer and inner layers of the pleura become thickened. Excess fluid often accumulates in the cavity between the two layers.
• Symptoms include breathlessness due to the lungs being unable to expand fully.
• Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening may develop even after a short exposure to asbestos.

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Pleural plaques

• Pleural plaques are small localised areas of thickening, called plaques, confined to the outer layer of the pleura.
• Pleural plaques do not cause symptoms. They are discovered if you have a chest x–ray.
• The plaques often occur in people who have had substantial exposure to asbestos. Diagnosis usually happens at least 20 years after first exposure. More rarely, plaques appear after only a short duration of exposure.
• Pleural plaques do not indicate a higher than normal risk of developing other asbestos–induced diseases.

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Other cancers

• Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer and cancer of the larynx (voice box).
• For more information please contact Macmillan Cancer Support.

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