- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody or rust–colored septum (spit or phlegm)
- Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- Wheezing
Asbestos Lung Cancer May Be Asymptomatic in Its Early Stages
Patients in the early stages of asbestos lung cancer often do not have symptoms. Some early symptoms, present in only about 15% of lung cancer cases, are a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and bloody or rust–colored sputum (spit or phlegm). However, these symptoms could also indicate other diseases (American Cancer Society, How is Lung Cancer Found?).
If your doctor suspects that you have asbestos lung cancer, a full physical examination is warranted. Your doctor may also take a sample of your phlegm (spit). This will be examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Biopsy
In many cases, a pathologist will take a tissue sample or biopsy to confirm whether asbestos lung cancer is present (Diagnosing Lung Cancer, CancerNet, National Cancer Institute). Types of biopsies include:
- Bronchoscopy: The doctor puts a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) into the mouth or nose and down through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages. Through this tube, the doctor can collect cells or small samples of tissue.
- Needle aspiration: A needle is inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissue.
- Thoracentesis: Using a needle, the doctor removes a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs to check for cancer cells.
- Thoracotomy: Surgery to open the chest. This procedure is a major operation performed in a hospital.
- Mediastinoscopy: Using a lighted viewing instrument or scope, the doctor examines the center of the chest (mediastinum) and nearby lymph nodes. Tissue samples are taken from the lymph nodes along the windpipe through a small hole cut into the neck.
Using Imaging Techniques to Detect Asbestos Lung Cancer
Imaging tests that are useful in asbestos lung cancer detection include x–rays, and CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. (See Mesothelioma Diagnosis for details). CT, MRI and PET scans may also help determine how far the cancer has spread (staging) (Staging, CancerNet, National Cancer Institute).
Radionuclide scanning shows whether cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver. The patient swallows or receives an injection of a radioactive substance. A scanning machine measures the level of radioactivity in certain organs to reveal abnormal areas. A bone scan is a type of radionuclide scanning that indicates whether cancer has spread to the bones. In a bone scan, a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, travels through the bloodstream and collects in areas of abnormal bone growth. The scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these areas and records them on x–ray film.