Asbestos-related lung diseases
Exposure to asbestos can lead to several different asbestos-related lung diseases. At The London Clinic Lung Centre, our team of experts offer personalised care and management plans designed to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What are 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.
Asbestos-related lung disease symptoms
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.
What causes asbestos-related lung diseases?
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.
Asbestos-related lung disease diagnosis
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.
Asbestos-related lung disease treatment
Asbestos-related lung diseases cannot be cured or reversed. However, the right treatment plan can help reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. A VATS procedure may be recommended for asbestos-related lung diseases, as it can help determine the type of disease, take a biopsy and drain any fluid in the lungs.
Common treatments for mesothelioma include immunotherapy, chemotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the stage of the cancer and aims to reduce the size of the tumour and support lung function.
Visit our mesothelioma page to find out more about the condition and treatments.
Asbestosis is incurable, but we can help minimise your symptoms and improve your quality of life through personalised management plans.
Treatment options for asbestosis may include:
- Medications to alleviate breathlessness and inflammation
- Steroid inhalers to reduce inflammation
- Oxygen therapy, providing a supply of oxygen from a tank or machine
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, which teaches exercises and breathing techniques to manage symptoms
- Surgery to drain fluid, or in severe cases, a lung transplant
Pleural plaques typically do not require treatment. However, they will likely be regularly monitored, and you may receive lifestyle recommendations to help reduce your risk of further respiratory issues.
Lifestyle recommendations may include quitting smoking and avoiding any further exposure to asbestos or other harmful chemicals.
Our dedicated team will discuss your treatment options with you during a thorough consultation to ensure you receive the most suitable care for your condition and needs.
