Can Asbestos Exposure Cause Lung Nodules
Yes, asbestos exposure is associated with the development of lung nodules. However, asbestos exposure does not necessarily result in lung nodules in all, or even most cases. The vast majority of people exposed to asbestos do not develop lung nodules, but asbestos exposure is a risk factor for nodules, and this risk increases in correspondence with longer durational or higher exposure to asbestos over a persons lifespan.
Nonculture Methods For Detecting Fungal Infections
These provide a more rapid and sensitive test when compared with culture methodology. Various antigen detection assays, such as galactomannan enzyme immunoassay for detection of invasive aspergillosis, are now in clinical use. Polymerase chain reaction âbased assays are also available for detecting various pathogens, including Aspergillus, Histoplasma, and Candida species.
Comparison of these assays show equal specificities for all 3 assays in the detection of Candida species. PCR-based assays are most sensitive compared with ELISA and latex agglutination .
The newest available testing in the diagnosis of blastomycosis is an enzyme immunoassay performed on urine or serum that detects a cell wall galactomannan antigen found in B dermatitidis. However, the cross reactivity with H capsulatum is close to 100%. Therefore, in patients with blastomycosis, the sensitivity or specificity of these tests is not clear.
For Aspergillus species antigen, galactomannan assay findings may be positive in the blood very early prior to clinical suspicion of invasive fungal infection and may be of use in monitoring and preemptive treatment in high-risk populations.
The molds causing mucormycosis, which belong to the subphylum Mucoromycotina, do not contain galactomannan or beta-glucan in their cell wall. Therefore, mucormycosis cannot be diagnosed with the galactomannan or beta-glucan assays.
Similarities Between Fungus And Cancer
Cancer and fungus are incredibly similar. Both can metabolize nutrients in the absence of oxygen. Sugar causes both to thrive, and both can die without it. Both respond favorably to antifungal medications. Researchers came to this conclusion when cancer patients started responding favorably to the antifungal Sporonox that they were taking for toenail fungus. Both cancer and fungus also produce sacs , and both produce lactic acid. Dogs that can detect cancer can also detect fungus as both emit something called VOCs its not actually cancer or mold specifically they are sniffing out but the VOCs themselves. Just think, if the 37 people in that lung study mentioned at the beginning of this article had not had a biopsy, they would have most likely gone on to have chemo and radiation instead of been given antifungals. This would have not only affected their prognosis but also would have taken them down the debilitating and costly path of cancer treatment. Doesnt knowing this make you think that anyone diagnosed with cancer should ask for a biopsy?
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Lung Nodules And Asbestos
Lung nodules are among the early signs of possible lung cancer, and both the US government and the medical and research communities have recognized asbestos as a known carcinogen. Although little research has been conducted to definitely link asbestos exposure with lung nodules, one study found lung nodules in 86 out of 633 asbestos-exposed workers, or roughly 14%.
Not all lung nodules will necessarily be malignant. More than 60% of lung nodules detected in x-rays or CT scans are non-cancerous. However, if you have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos, it is far more likely that a lung nodule indicates cancer.
Lung nodules are common, showing up in roughly 1 in 500 x-rays and 1 in 100 CT scans. Most are asymptomatic, and both benign and malignant nodules are treatable.
A What Causes Mold In Your Lungs Infection
As a form of fungi, the effects of mold in lungs can cause pneumonia in healthy people, and severe pneumonia in people with immune system disorder. The infection is proven to be rapidly fatal for patients recovering from chemotherapy or HIV-infected people who also have advanced disease.
Some of the causes of mold growing in lungs include invasive aspergillosis, pneumocystis fungus, and histoplasmosis mold.
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What Causes Lung Nodules
Many things can produce a lung nodule: an enlarged lymph node, an old pneumonia or infection, phlegm impacted in a tiny airway or many other causes. Unfortunately, cancers can also produce and appear as lung nodules. Lung nodules may be caused by:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Lung diseases caused by a fungus
- Phlegm impacted in a tiny airway
- Scars
Treatment Of Fungal Infection
Therapy for fungal pneumonias must include antifungal agents. The type of antifungal drug employed must be selected based on the particular pathogen that is isolated or that is clinically suspected. Many classes of antifungal agents are now available, including the classic antibiotics first-, second-, and third-generation triazoles and the echinocandins. Amphotericin B is less frequently used and, when used, is often given as a liposomal formulation to decrease toxicity.
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I Too Have Several Small
I too have several small lung nodules that are being watched. They can be caused by many things. Radiation, an infection, smoking–even if you quit a long time ago. some parts of the country have a certain mold in the air that can cause then too. Mine were discovered on a CAT scan in June but a PET scan in July came back NED. When you have a history of cancer they just like to watch you more closely. My doc said about 95% of people have them..most are nothing.
Diagnosis Of Lung Nodules
Lung nodules are evaluated by chest x-rays, which show the interior of the chest cavity and computed tomography , which produce a series of images of the inside of the body, taken from different angles and depths, to reveal a high level of detail.
To help determine if the lung nodule is malignant, a PET scan may be obtained. Every living cell in the body uses glucose to function normally. Tumor cells are often metabolically active and therefore taking up more glucose. With a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into a vein. The scanner then revolves around the body, identifying areas where glucose uptake is the greatest, often areas of tumor or tumor spread. A pulmonary nodule which is very hot may be due to malignancy diagnose but can also be caused by inflammation or infection.
A biopsy of the lung nodule to help determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant may before using CT guidance or through a bronchoscope, a camera inserted into the airway .
At times, certain blood tests may be helpful in deciding if the nodule has been caused by an infection or by inflammation.
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What Can I Expect At The Lung Center
The Lung Center at Brigham and Womenâs Hospital provides specialized diagnostic and treatment services for patients with lung nodules. Our board-certified thoracic surgeons are experts in video-assisted thoracic surgery , often done to biopsy nodules and determine whether they need to be removed.
When you become a patient of The Lung Center you will meet many members of the team who will carefully review your medical history and studies. In addition, you will receive a thorough diagnostic examination where you will receive a recommendation for a therapy tailored just for you based on your specific diagnosis.
Lung Nodules Are Not A Death Sentence
Cancer is a very, scary word in our society. When you think of cancer, you tend to think of it as a death sentence.
The truth of the matter is, yes, lung nodules may be a sign of cancer, but its not necessarily a sign of cancer. It could be a fungal growth that can be easily removed with surgery or antibiotics, or it could just be a granuloma or scar tissue left by a virus or infection.
The important thing is, regardless of the diagnosis, make sure to talk to a doctor about all of your options and take advantage of some of them. The quicker you begin treatment, the better your prognosis will be.
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Three Factors In Coronavirus Lung Damage
Galiatsatos notes three factors that affect the lung damage risk in COVID-19 infections and how likely the person is to recover and regain lung function:
Disease severity. The first is the severity of the coronavirus infection itself whether the person has a mild case, or a severe one, Galiatsatos says. Milder cases are less likely to cause lasting scars in the lung tissue.
Health conditions. Galiatsatos says, The second is whether there are existing health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease that can raise the risk for severe disease. Older people are also more vulnerable for a severe case of COVID-19. Their lung tissues may be less elastic, and they may have weakened immunity because of advanced age.
Treatment. Treatment is the third factor, he says. A patients recovery and long-term lung health is going to depend on what kind of care they get, and how quickly. Timely support in the hospital for severely ill patients can minimize lung damage.
How Are Lung Nodules Managed Or Treated
Small, noncancerous lung nodules dont usually require treatment. You may need treatments, such as antibiotics or antifungal medications, if you have an infection.
If the nodule grows, causes problems or is cancerous, you may need surgery. Surgical procedures to remove noncancerous and cancerous pulmonary nodules include:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery : During VATS, your provider inserts a thoracoscope and tiny surgical instruments through several small chest incisions. Your provider refers to images from the camera to remove the nodule.
- Thoracotomy: Your provider removes the lung nodule through a larger incision between your ribs, below your shoulder blade. For several days after the surgery, a tube drains excess fluid from your chest.
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Fungal Infections Misdiagnosed As Cancer And Why Mold Exposure Raises Your Cancer Risk
By Erin Porter
It has been documented in medical literature since the 1950s that illnesses and growths caused by fungus and fungal infections have been mistaken for cancer. In the 1957 textbook from Johns Hopkins called Clinical and Immunological Aspects of Fungal Diseases, the author warns that localized cutaneous blastomycosis is frequently mistaken for squamous cell carcinoma and that pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is suggestive of metastatic malignancy.
Mistaking fungal colonization and infections for cancerous growths and lesions has continued in recent times. For example, in regions of the Southwestern US where valley fever, a fungal infection that can result when airborne spores from a certain mold are inhaled, is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia and lung cancer. There is also an interesting article published in 2013 in the Journal of Lung citing 37 patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with cancer. All patients then went on to have biopsies that changed 46% of the diagnoses to fungal infection. Thats 17 of the 37 patients who actually did not have cancer after all! After I heard about this study, I wondered if I would have been given this same grim diagnosis if the aspergillomas inhaled from the moldy air in NY apartments had taken hold in my lungs rather than in my sinus cavities where they could be viewed more easily with a scope. Its certainly plausible and a bit frightening.
Positron Emission Tomography Scan
A PET scan involves using a radioactive glucose that can be absorbed by the nodule. The test can help show how fast the nodule may be growing and spreading, which in turn can help determine if the nodule is cancer or something else. And if the nodule is cancerous, the test will show how fast that cancer is currently spreading.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What is the best plan of action for me?
- Do I need a biopsy?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Lung nodules are fairly common and usually arent cause for concern. Still, it can be alarming to learn that you have a spot on your lung. Fortunately, the majority of lung nodules arent a sign of lung cancer. A noncancerous condition causes the abnormal growth. Most benign lung nodules dont need treatment. If a nodule is cancerous, your healthcare provider can discuss next steps.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/28/2021.
References
Can Mold Cause Lung Nodules
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Complications Of Fungal Pneumonia
Complications of fungal pneumonia include disease dissemination to other sites and sepsis syndrome and blood vessel invasion, which can lead to hemoptysis, pulmonary infarction, myocardial infarction, cerebral septic emboli, cerebral infarction, or blindness.
Other complications may include the following:
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Bronchopleural or tracheoesophageal fistulas
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Pericarditis and other rheumatologic symptoms
Is There More Than One Type Of Aspergillosis
There are several types of aspergillosis.
Pulmonary aspergillosis is most likely to develop in people who have chronic lung disorders or damaged lungs. These people are likely to have abnormal spaces in their lungs where the fungus can grow. The fungus can also rarely infect sinuses and ear canals. The mold spores can colonize inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots. This lump or ball of fungus is called an aspergilloma or mycetoma. In some cases, a fungus ball may be present in other organs of the body.
Invasive aspergillosis, the most severe type, occurs when the infection travels from the lungs into the bloodstream. Other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, skin or brain, may become infected. This is a very serious condition that may result in death if not treated. People with very weakened immune systems are more susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Other risk factors include a low white blood cell count, long-term use ofcorticosteroids, or hospitalization.
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Pulmonary Hemorrhage From Mold Exposure
Mold illnesses, including pulmonary hemorrhage and other serious respiratory disorders, can cause severe illness and even become life-threatening in some cases. Of course, most people exposed to household mold dont develop life-threatening illnesses. Less serious health problems are fairly common, however, and more serious conditions can develop in some people. The elderly, the very young, and those with pre-existing respiratory disorders and immune system disorders are at greatest risk for serious problems.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mold In My House
First, you need to fix the problem thatâs leading to dampness. If you donât, the mold will come back.
For areas bigger than 10 square feet, you may want to call in a pro.
For smaller areas, youâll have to throw out anything thatâs soft or can soak up water, like carpets, drywall, and ceiling tiles.
On hard surfaces, scrub with a stiff brush or cleaning pad along with a general-purpose detergent in hot water. Then rinse with water and let completely dry.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center: âAllergy and Asthma in the Southwestern United States.â
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: âMold Allergy.â
University of Minnesota Extension: âMolds — Your Safe Home.â
NIH, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program: âMold.â
NIH, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: âMold.â
Mayo Clinic: âChronic Sinusitis,â âPulmonary Fibrosis.â
Merck Manual, Consumer Version: âAspergillosis.â
Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School: âBy the way, doctor: Do mold spores cause lung cancer?â
British Lung Foundation: âCauses of Pulmonary Fibrosis.â
National Poison Control Center: âMold 101: Effects on Human Health.â
Rhode Island Department of Health: âSome Facts About Mold.â
Connecticut Department of Public Health: âMold in the Home: Health Concerns.â
NIH, National Cancer Institute: âAflatoxins.â
Food Standards Agency: âMycotoxins.â
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Who Gets Aspergillosis
Exposure to Aspergillus is not likely to cause problems in the majority of people whose immune systems are healthy. However, people with chronic lung problems or people with weak immune systems may be at greater risk for developing the infection. People with weakened immune systems include those people taking chemotherapy or those who have had organ transplants.
What Is The Treatment
For cancerous nodules, Dr. Manganaris says most of the time the only cure is resection removing a lobe of the lung.
I had one patient lose an entire lung. He managed fine with only one lung. Ive seen cancer in smokers as young as 25 years old.
Dr. Manganaris includes counseling as part of the treatment at the clinic. Patients who are smokers get additional counseling aside from discussion about their pulmonary nodule diagnosis.
Pulmonary nodules that are benign normally do not require any treatment because they usually dont cause symptoms or breathing problems. But, they may be monitored with follow-up CT scans. The frequency of these CT scans will vary based on the size of the nodule and the risk factors for lung cancer
The Marshall Pulmonary Lung Nodule Clinic is located in the Marshall Professional Center, next to the Marshall Cancer Care Center. For more information call 256.894.6910 or click here.
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