Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

While both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several significant differences between mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't.

Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of particular organs or tissues, such as the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.

Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs but may also manifest in other parts of the body such as the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the stage and type of the disease. There are several typical symptoms like chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. Fatigue and anemia are the most common signs of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately.

Asbestosis is usually the result of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people don't even know they have it until decades after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it doesn't spread. However it can still cause respiratory problems and lung issues.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium, while asbestosis does not.

A person suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura can experience a chronic non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen, which some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of your life and relieve symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest through a procedure called Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma patients, and is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as shortness of breathe, cough, and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently appear to be similar to other ailments and are difficult to identify until the disease is advanced.

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

Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both conditions, however each one has its own set of symptoms and a distinct duration of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos multiple times.

Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lung. They can also conduct a biopsy to get a better idea of the kind of mesothelioma a patient has. There are many methods to take mesothelium samples, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.

The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and the part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history will also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Based on the type of cancer, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove affected tissue and reduce tumor size. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, however patients can be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is complete. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular follow-up visits. A mesothelioma specialist can use this method to detect recurrences and track the progression of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatments can prolong the life of patients for a long time. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms are similar.

Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos litigation fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking causes the condition to progress faster. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.

If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and then removing some of the fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested.

Removal of asbestos litigation-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for asbestos-related patients, as well as reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid by thoracentesis, a procedure and, in some instances performing a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments.

Regular check-ups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathlessness and other symptoms in addition to treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in certain cases, recommend the donation of a lung.

People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk, they should stop smoking and stay current on vaccinations for influenza as well as pneumonia. They should also contact their physician immediately if they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. Mesothelioma is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to be diagnosed.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease, the location of tumors, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most prevalent type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic kinds. The prognosis of mesothelioma could also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than men.

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

Because mesothelioma is so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is especially true in the early stages when symptoms are milder and can be misdiagnosed as a different condition. Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of cancer and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, however, they aren't life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are like those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma, and is not a cancerous form. The person suffering from asbestosis could continue to have symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you locate an expert doctor to receive an assessment and a treatment plan.