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Asbestos & Lymphoma

There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Asbestos exposure can lead to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Exposure to asbestos can occur through naturally occurring asbestos, but more common exposure comes from contact with asbestos dust and fibers from old insulation.

  1. About Asbestos

    • People since ancient times knew of its fireproof characteristics, but they also knew people who worked with asbestos seemed to live fewer years than people who did not. Asbestos occurs naturally, and has long fibers that can be woven into cloth. Since it cannot be burned, asbestos makes a good heat insulator, and has been used in insulation in products from brake pads to blown-in insulation on ships. Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibers fracture and become airborne. The fibers break down so small and angular that when inhaled, they attach themselves to the lining of the lungs where they begin the process of irritation and scarring that can lead to the formation of cancer.

    Link Between Lymphoma and Asbestos Exposure

    • According to Asbestos.com, a study released in 2001 showed an analysis of 22 studies done between 1999 and 2000 on the incidence of asbestos exposure and subsequent formation of lymphoma. All 22 studies concluded that asbestos exposure does appear related to lymphoma, but the analysis also concluded that scientists and doctors needed to perform additional research in the area. None of the studies could confirm that asbestos causes lymphoma, rather only that formation of lymphomas appear more often in people with prior exposure to asbestos.

    Lymphoma Diagnosis

    • Many people diagnosed with lymphoma originally go to a doctor after finding a lump in their neck, a swollen lymph node. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor takes a biopsy of the area of concern. Most times the biopsy comes from a lymph node in the neck, but in people with problems in other organs including the brain or lungs, the biopsy may come from one of those areas instead. Examination of the cells under a microscope identifies the form of lymphoma the person has if lymphoma is confirmed to be present. According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age of a person diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 67 years.

    Lymphoma Treatment

    • Once a doctor confirms the presence of non-Hodkins lymphoma, treatment includes the same types of treatment as other cancers. Radiation, chemotherapy, and if caught in an early enough stage, surgical removal of cancerous tissue all play a roll in the treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

    Lymphoma Prognosis

    • According to the National Cancer Institute between 1999 and 2006, 81 percent of people with localized lymphoma survive five years after diagnosis. For people in whom the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, five-year survival rates are 70 percent, and for those in whom the lymphoma has metastasized at the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival rate drops to 58 percent. Interestingly white women have an overall better five-year survival rate (70 percent) than white men, and men or women of other races.

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