Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Both diseases are triggered by asbestos case exposure, there are several key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other side, is a cancer.

Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of certain organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and the lungs.

Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs, however it can also grow in other areas of the body, like the stomach, the heart and abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on the type and stage. There are a few common symptoms, including chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Anemia and fatigue are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, it is known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Asbestosis typically occurs after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long time of latency, many people don't even recognize they have it until decades after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can trigger a range of health issues like lung issues and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis isn't.

A person with mesothelioma pleural can experience a chronic non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have a buildup of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as anascites.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life duration. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This is accomplished by taking the fluid out of the chest through the procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often are similar to other conditions and are difficult to diagnose until the condition has advanced.

Asbestosis, a progressive lung condition that causes scarring of the respiratory system and lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).

Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos several times.

To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform a biopsy to gain a better understanding of what type of mesothelioma a patient has. There are a variety of methods to take mesothelium samples that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.

The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location where mesothelioma has been found and what part of the pleura's lining it is located in. The symptoms of the patient and their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However, patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have an increased risk of recurrence even after the treatment is completed. It is therefore important to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and track the progress of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the reason of both mesothelioma as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can resemble those of either disease.

Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that impedes breathing. asbestos compensation inhalation can increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress faster. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In certain instances the doctor may recommend lung function tests and chest Xrays.

If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen, chest or groin area, and then removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Based on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended.

The surgical removal of asbestos attorney-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in certain instances it is possible to perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other conditions.

In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant.

Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health problems like cancer and heart disease. To reduce these risks it is recommended that they stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breath. But mesothelioma is cancerous and asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that can take years to be diagnosed.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors such as the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. The prognosis for mesothelioma may also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better prognosis than men.

The latency period plays a crucial role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos in the future, the more likely or she is to develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it is often difficult to identify. This is especially so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types of lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab.

Pleural effusions are caused by mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both diseases however they are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis is not as widespread as mesothelioma and is not a form of cancer. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you know is unsure regarding mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms. We can help you locate a doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.