ASBESTOS

CAN CAUSE 4 DISEASES
1. Asbestosis
2. Pleural plaques
3. Pleural effusions
4. Cancer (in first line : Mesothelioma)

The first 3 are benign diseases

ASBESTOSIS
It usually occurs after 15-20 years of continuous exposure to asbestos.
Belongs in occupational diseases.
In the early stages displayed a dry cough, shortness of breath later with fatigue, frequent infections, respiratory failure and cardiopulmonary end. The damage caused to the lungs are: fibrosis
Early diagnosis and removal from the workplace to prevent disease progression.
The median survival (the full development of the disease) is about 15 years.
The disease is not reversible, so the best treatment is to remove the cause. If the disease is fully installed treatment is symptomatic (dil.antimetopisi infections, etc.)

PLEURAL EFFUSIONS
benign pleural effusion, may occur after approximately 10 years of continuous exposure to asbestos. Presents mild symptoms and resolves on its own or after medical intervention (puncture). May cause thickening of the pleura, but no other problems.
The biggest problem is (with the appearance of pleural effusion) is diagnostic

PLEURAL PLAQUES
Thickening of the pleura that look like X-ray 'plates' and prove that the person had once been in contact with asbestos. Most of the time by chance finding

MESOTHELIOMA
Mesothelioma or malignant disease of the pleura or peritoneum (abdominal)-rare.
It is the only form that is not related to dose exposure because it can occur after short exposure to asbestos. Also in an approximately 15-20% report no evidence of any patient to asbestos. It usually occurs 40 years after exposure.
Metastasizes easily and does not respond well to therapy (chemotherapy, etc)
Average survival time: 1-1 ½ year

SILICOSIS