Hey Dr Frank - whats the first early symptoms of lung cancer?

Question

can you get asbestosis from coming into contact with it just once? I was digging out a foundation when i came across a big pile of it someone had buried years ago - it was loose pipe cladding asbestos and I must have breathed in loads of it before I realised what it was - any advice?

Answer 1

Your risks are very small with one exposure. I am assuming that you are a non-smoker. If you do smoke that is going to give you the biggest risk.

If the source of the asbestos is known, i.e. the company involved, it is worth getting a check up and a chest X-ray now, and getting your GP to record the incident in your records, on the minute chance that you should get a problem years from now.

First symptom of lung cancer is probably resistant cough, anyone whose cough has been present for 4 weeks or more should be chest x-rayed again.

Your risk is greater if you were exposed to large amounts of it from an early age for a very long period of time. But there are some cases that say they have no history of any heavy exposure to asbestos.

You are looking at a minuscule statistical risk, perhaps 20 years + from now.

Answer 2

See a doctor. Now. Im the meantime, some of the symptoms are as follows:
chest wall pain
pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
shortness of breath
wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
abdominal pain
ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
a mass in the abdomen
problems with bowel function
weight loss
blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
low blood sugar level
pleural effusion
pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
severe ascites
respiratory failure

Answer 3

There are not any early warning signs. that's the concern. by way of the time warning signs of lung maximum cancers ensue, it has commonly unfold to different areas of the physique. as a result, that's often deadly.

Answer 4

go and see your dr asap! They will be able to examine you (listen to your chest etc.) and refer you to a specialist - Doc F can't do that without seeing you in person. Hope you're ok. Btw you can email Dr Frank directly through answers by clicking on his name and following the link that says email on it if he has enabeled emails. Good luck xx

Answer 5

I would get myself checked out like yesterday asbestos it is lethal get down there now I remember when I was at school secondary the whole school had to be moved to a different site to be taught while they closed down my school to sought the problem so don,t take any chances sort it out !!!!!!!!!! urgent like.

Answer 6

you would be very unlucky.years ago asbestos was heavily used in the motor trade i breathed in dust from brake linings and clutch linings regularly and my lungs are o k

Answer 7

You will need to see your doctor who should send you for a scan.Good Luck

Answer 8

hard coughing