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Mesothelioma and Silicosis
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is most often caused by occupational exposure to mesothelioma. It most often develops on the lining of the lungs, but in some instances, may also develop in other areas of the body, such as the lining of the stomach. However, it is not the only lung disease that can be caused by occupational exposure to particles.
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica. Symptoms include coughing, sharp chest pain, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory issues. Like mesothelioma, silicosis can develop many years after exposure to silica dust.[1]
Though silicosis and mesothelioma cannot lead to one another, as they are caused by exposure to different particles, they can theoretically happen concurrently. Both silica dust and asbestos particles are found in a variety of industries, such as mining, construction, manufacturing, and building maintenance.[2]
Though many uses of asbestos have been banned in the United States, there are some applications in which its use is still legal.[3] In addition, respirable silica dust is a common byproduct of construction and other industries.[4] Though there are safety requirements put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration[5],[6], these precautions are often ignored by workers and their supervisors.
Both mesothelioma and silicosis are irreversible, incurable diseases. They both tend to progress, even after exposure to the responsible particles has ceased. As such, beginning treatment for either condition early is important for helping the patient maintain a certain quality of life.
There are a variety of treatments available for mesothelioma patients, depending on the progression and type of tumor. In some cases, the tumor may be removed via surgery. But because of the advanced age of most of the patients, surgery is often deemed too dangerous. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common treatment options if surgery isn’t a viable treatment.[7]
There is no specific treatment available for silicosis. Doctors may prescribe oxygen, cough medicine and other symptom-relieving treatments. They may also recommend avoiding irritants like smoke and dust. In some cases, a lung transplant may be an option.[8]
For both advanced silicosis and advanced mesothelioma, doctors may recommend palliative care. Palliative care focuses on ensuring the patient is comfortable by alleviating as many symptoms as possible, rather than curing the disease.[9]
[1] https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/silicosis/silicosis-symptoms-causes-risk.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9142077
[3] https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/us-federal-bans-asbestos
[4] https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/
[5] https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3681.pdf
[6] https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1001
[7] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/treating/by-extent.html
[8] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000134.htm
[9] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care#palliative
