Asbestos exposure occurs when an individual continuously inhales asbestos fibers over a prolonged period of time. The effects of asbestos exposure could take anywhere between 15 to 40 years to occur. Asbestos refers to fibrous minerals that were commonly used for industrial and construction purposes such as in production of electric switchboards and tiling. The use of asbestos continued until the 80's and most people affected with this condition suffered exposure to asbestos during this period. In many cases the symptoms of asbestos exposure may have not shown up as yet. There are also people who may have been exposed to asbestos after the 80's. This may have been due to improper methods of dismantling or renovating objects containing asbestos. The diseases that result from continuous asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestosis results in symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dry cough, breathlessness and chest pain. There may also be excess phlegm production and pulmonary hypertension. The symptoms of asbestos exposure could take up to 20 years to show up. The treatment for asbestosis involves discontinuing any further exposure to asbestos and other irritants. Smoking must also be discontinued immediately. Vaccinations for flu and pneumonia may need to be administered at regular intervals. Antibiotics may also be given to treat lung infections. Lung cancer results in symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, lung infection and presence of blood in the sputum. This condition arises from long term exposure to asbestos. Treatment depends upon the spread of the cancer and the location of the tumor. chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the treatment options for lung cancer. Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the lung lining or pleura. The effects may show up even 40 years after exposure. The symptoms include breathing difficulty, constant chest pain, excess weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling. Treatment involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may also be required in some cases.
A lesion on the lung could be indicative of a cyst in the lung. Lesions could also arise due to tuberculosis infection. Lesions are actually damaged tissue that maybe in the process of healing. They may also remain permanent in some cases. In case of cystic formations, surgery may be required to extract the abnormal growth. There is usually no impairment in lung infection following the extraction. Since there is also chest pain, it is important to have a thorough diagnosis done immediately so that the exact cause could be detected. This will allow for early treatment and a better prognosis.
answered by G R