Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis isn't.

Mesothelioma develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, including those that cover the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a lengthy latency.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually starts in the lungs, however it can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, stomach, and heart.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on its type and stage. However, there are some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos case dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long time of latency, many people don't even realize they have it until years after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the potential to spread like mesothelioma, but it can cause a variety of health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.

A person with pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is called clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of abdominal fluid known as anascites.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on prolonging the life time. Asbestosis is treated in a less invasive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest using a procedure called thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose since they often resemble other ailments.

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

Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases, however each one has its own set of symptoms and a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities in the body. It can be located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times.

To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to detect visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct the biopsy to gain a better understanding of what type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many methods to conduct a mesothelium biopsies that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.

The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as the part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and exposure background will also affect the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However, patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry an increased risk of recurrence even after the treatment is complete. Therefore, it is essential to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this method to detect recurrences and track the progress of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the reason of mesothelioma and as well asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for a long time. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms can resemble those of either disease.

Asbestosis, a less common condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring, which could restrict breathing. asbestos law inhalation increases the chance of lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more quickly. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, such as monitoring the lungs. In some instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.

If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type, either chemotherapy or surgery can be recommended.

The surgical removal of asbestos attorney-laden tissue (also called pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and decrease the degree of complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments.

In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some instances, recommend an organ transplant.

Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health problems including cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases one should quit smoking and stay current on vaccinations for influenza as well as pneumonia. They should also call their doctor right away when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both illnesses have similar symptoms such as chest pain as well as persistent coughing and breathlessness. But mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and can take years to develop.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of variables that include the stage, location, and the type of cell. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a better prognosis compared to sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. In addition, the patient's gender and age can impact his or her mesothelioma prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have better outcomes than men.

The length of time that a person is in latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.

It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is extremely uncommon. This is particularly relevant in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and can be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types cancer and even lung disease, so it is important for doctors to carefully examine pathology reports and request a second opinion from another lab.

Pleural effusions are a result of mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma, and is not cancerous. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you locate an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.