Mesothelioma
Diseases
Exposure to asbestos can often cause scarring of the lung tissue and lead to future disease. The scarring of the lung progresses over time and can lead to the disease asbestosis where the body surrounds the asbestos fibers with tissues called fibroids. These tissues limit elasticity and may result in a heavy cough, sputum, weight loss, and increasing breathlessness.
Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause fluid to accumulate in the pleural space or in some cases cause cancerous, incurable tumors in the pleura, called mesotheliomas. About 75% of the mesotheliomas are diffuse (usually malignant) tumors, and the remaining 25% are localized (usually benign). Men generally outnumber women by a 3:1 ratio. Nevertheless, numerous studies have confirmed the association of malignant pleural mesothelioma with exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Cancer
Asbestosis Cancer
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Veterans
Exposure Risks
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