How aggressive is lung cancer caused by asbestos?

Asbestos-induced lung cancer, particularly mesothelioma, is known for its aggressive nature. Here are several features that contribute to its aggressiveness:

1. Latency Period: Asbestos fibers can remain dormant in the lungs for decades before leading to the development of cancer. This extended latency period makes early detection challenging.

2. Invasiveness: Asbestos fibers can spread locally within the lungs, invading surrounding tissues, including the chest wall, diaphragm, and nearby organs. This local invasiveness is a characteristic feature of mesothelioma.

3. Metastasis: Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers have a high tendency to metastasize to distant sites, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver, and brain. This metastatic spread contributes to the advanced stage and poor prognosis of the disease.

4. Resistance to Treatment: Many asbestos-induced lung cancers, including mesothelioma, are often resistant to conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This resistance makes managing the disease and achieving long-term remission challenging.

5. Poor Prognosis: Due to the aggressive nature of asbestos-related lung cancer, the prognosis is often poor. Mesothelioma, in particular, has a low survival rate and is considered a terminal disease.

6. Pleural Effusion: Asbestos-induced lung cancer, especially mesothelioma, frequently causes pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (the area between the lungs and the chest wall). This can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms.

It's important to note that while asbestos-induced lung cancer is aggressive, the prognosis and outcomes can vary based on individual factors, such as the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, overall health, and response to treatment. Early detection and management are crucial for improving the prognosis of individuals with asbestos-related lung cancer.