Asbestos-related lung diseases

Asbestos-related lung diseases are a group of conditions that can develop after exposure to asbestos fibres. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was previously used in materials like insulation, cement and flooring. However, we now know that asbestos is a dangerous material and it is no longer used.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring and long-term damage.

The types of asbestos-related lung diseases include:

• Asbestosis – a rare but serious lung condition that impacts breathing and quality of life
• Mesothelioma – a type of cancer that develops in the lungs, but it can also affect other organs, such as stomach and heart
• Pleural plaques – areas of thickened tissue in the lungs that can affect lung function and breathing. While pleural plaques are not asbestosis or a form of cancer, they can co-exist with these conditions

Asbestos-related lung diseases benefit from early detection and regular monitoring to ensure that your management plan remains effective and tailored to your evolving needs.

Symptoms of asbestos-related lung diseases vary depending on the type you have.

Symptoms of asbestosis can include:

• • Persistent breathlessness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue

• Chest pain or shoulder pain
• Swollen (clubbed) fingertips

Mesothelioma symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue. To find out more about mesothelioma specifically, please see our dedicated mesothelioma page.

Pleural plaques often have no symptoms and are generally discovered during imaging tests for other conditions. In rare cases, symptoms like chest pain, coughing or breathlessness may occur.

Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can sometimes take 20 to 30 years to appear, and in some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed. Although these lung diseases cannot be reversed, early detection is crucial, as it can improve the effectiveness of treatments and help maintain a better quality of life.

Asbestos-related lung diseases are caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.

These harmful fibres damage the tissue within your lungs, leading to inflammation, scarring and cellular changes over time. This can result in conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural plaques.

To diagnose asbestos-related lung diseases, a range of imaging tests may be performed, depending on the type of condition.

For diagnosing mesothelioma, tests can include:

• X-rays
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Lung biopsy (tissue sample collection)
• Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) procedure

For diagnosing asbestosis, the following may be used:

• Imaging tests like a CT scan
• Pulmonary function tests to assess how well your lungs work

Pleural plaques are typically diagnosed through imaging tests. However, since they don’t usually cause symptoms, they are often detected during imaging tests conducted for other symptoms or health conditions.

Our highly experienced team at The London Clinic Lung Centre will ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis, allowing us to provide you with a bespoke management plan.