Pleural Abnormalities

Persons with significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing various types of pleural (lining of the chest cavity, outside the lungs) abnormalities. These abnormalities include pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, and pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, which may affect the lining of the chest cavity, outside the lung (pleura) or the abdominal contents (peritoneum). Most mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos.
Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that invades and obstructs the lung's air passages. Cigarette smoking greatly increases the likelihood of a person developing lung cancer as the result of asbestos exposure. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are cough, wheezing, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, and labored breathing. Other symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, hoarseness, and anemia. People who develop these symptoms do not necessarily have lung cancer, but they should consult a physician for advice.


















Scanning Electron Micrograph of Lung Cancer Cells.