Malignant Mesothelioma Controversy Depends On Type Of Asbestos Fiber

Few credible researchers deny the association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However, some hold to a theory that suggests the type of asbestos fiber can make a difference on disease development. One interesting study is called, “Asbestos fiber type in malignant Mesothelioma: An analytical scanning electron microscopic study of 94 cases” by Victor L. Roggli, MD, Philip C. Pratt, MD, Arnold R. Brody, PhD - American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 23 Issue 4, Pages 605 – 614. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - Although the association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma is indisputable, controversy continues regarding the relative contribution of the various types of asbestos fibers to the development of mesothelioma. We examined the types of asbestos fibers recovered from lung parenchyma in more than 90 cases of malignant mesothelioma from the United States, using an analytical scanning electron microscope. Almost half of the patients were former asbestos insulators or shipyard workers. The fibers were recovered from lung tissues obtained at autopsy or surgical resection by means of a sodium hypochlorite digestion procedure. Amosite absestos was identified in 81% of the cases and accounted for 58% of all fibers 5 m or greater in length.

Differences Between Mesothelioma And Asbestosis

Asbestos is an extremely dangerous substance when the proper precautions are not taken to safeguard against the inhalation or ingestion of dangerous levels of the substance. When these precautions are not taken, several potential medical conditions can arise. The bulk of these are serious cancers. The most common illness associated with asbestos is mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Another potentially deadly condition caused by asbestos exposure is asbestosis. While these conditions are entirely different, they share a common cause.

Asbestosis is a build up of scar tissue on the lungs that impedes the expansion and contraction of the lungs. It is considered to be a severe lung disease. Asbestosis is often misdiagnosed as asthma because many of the symptoms are similar, and physicians see a lot more cases of asthma than asbestosis. The first sign of the illness is a shortness of breath that occurs after physical exertion. Eventually, the shortness of breath occurs even at times of rest. Other symptoms of asbestosis are chest pain and coughing.