Asbestos Related Disorders

Cancer detection are methods used to find cancer in persons who may or may not have symptoms. Symptoms of cancer are abnormal sensations or conditions that persons can notice that are a result of the cancer. It is important to your doctor for regular checkups and not wait for problems to occur.

A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures of the body. A CT scan is a low-risk procedure. Contrast material may be injected into a vein or the spinal fluid to enhance the scan.

Chest X-ray is a type of X-ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also detect some abnormalitites in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. A chest X-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as:

• excessive fluid (fluid overload or pulmonary edema),
• fluid around the lung (pleural effusion),
• pneumonia,
• bronchitis,
• asthma,
• cysts,
• and cancers.

Normal chest X-ray shows normal size and shape of the chest wall and the main structures in the chest.

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the esophagus. Risk factors of cancer of the esophagus include smoking, heavy alcohol use, Barrett's esophagus, being male and being over age 60. Severe weight loss, vomiting, hoarseness, coughing up blood, painful swallowing, and pain in the throat or back are symptoms. Treatment depends upon the size, location and staging of the cancer and the health of the patient.

Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause signs or symptoms; however, when they do occur the primary sign is biliary colic. Symptoms of biliary colic are constant pain for 15 minutes to 4-5 hours, and it may vary in intensity; nausea, severe pain that does not worsen with movement; and pain beneath the sternum. Treatment of gallstones depends upon the patient and the clinical situation.

Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to tobacco smoke. Lung cancers are classified as either small cell or non-small cell cancers.

Learn about lung cancer symptoms and treatments. Get more information on small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and the diagnosis of lung cancer stages.

The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). See a picture of the Lungs and learn more about the health topic.

Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the chest or on the lungs. There are two types of pleural effusion, trandsudate and exudate. Causes of transudate pleural effusion include congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis. Exudate pleural effusion can be caused by malignancy (cancer) or lung infection. Typically, transudate pleural effusion is more easily treatable. Symptoms of pleural effusion include:

• chest pain,
• pain when breathing,
• difficulty breathing, and
• cough.

Treatment depends on the source or cause of the pleural effusion.

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is associated with sharp chest pain upon breathing in. Cough, chest tenderness, and shortness of breath are other symptoms associated with pleurisy. Pleurisy pain can be managed with pain medication and by external splinting of the chest wall.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester).  The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include

breast swelling and tenderness,

• nausea and sometimes vomiting,
• fatigue, and
• bloating.

Second trimester symptoms include

•  backache,
• weight gain,
• itching, and
• possible stretch marks.

Third trimester symptoms are

• additional weight gain,
• heartburn,
• hemorrhoids,
• swelling of the ankles,
• fingers, and face,
• breast tenderness, and
• trouble sleeping.

Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.

Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by many conditions including chronic inflammatory processes, infections, environmental agents, exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic conditions, and certain medications. Symptoms include

• shortness of breath,
• coughing, and
• diminished exercise tolerance.

Treatment options are dependent on the type of pulmonary fibrosis; lung transplant and/or medications are options.