Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several significant differences between mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other being a cancer, is not.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, including the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a lengthy latency.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, but it may also develop in other areas of the body, including the stomach, the heart and abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on its type and stage. However, there are common symptoms, including difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

Asbestosis typically occurs after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its long latency, most people do not realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma, since it doesn't spread. However it can cause lung problems and respiratory problems.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos (Learn Additional). The main distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis isn't.

A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural may experience a persistent, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have a buildup of fluid in the abdomen known as the ascites.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis is treated in a less invasive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This is accomplished by taking the fluid out of the chest through a procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma patients, and focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling fibres of asbestos can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath as well as cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently are similar to other conditions and are difficult to diagnose until the illness has progressed.

Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which 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).

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos settlement is the cause of both conditions, however each one has its own set of symptoms and a distinct duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities of the body. It is located on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when the patient was exposed to asbestos legal in a variety of locations.

To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also take an in-person biopsy to get a better idea of what type of mesothelioma that patient. There are several methods used to take mesothelium samples that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.

The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location and which part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure to radiation can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Depending on the type, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this time, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry a high risk of returning even after treatment has been completed. It is therefore essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where mesothelioma specialists can detect the recurrence of the disease and monitor the progress of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the reason of both mesothelioma as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity, abdomen and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms may resemble the symptoms of either.

Asbestosis, a less common condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that restricts breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some cases doctors may recommend chest X-rays and lung-function tests.

If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest, withdrawing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested.

Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life in patients with severe asbestosis, as well as reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing problems due to asbestosis or other illnesses.

Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathlessness and other symptoms in addition pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in certain cases, recommend the possibility of a lung transplant.

People suffering from asbestos compensation-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems like cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases it is recommended that they stop smoking and be current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor immediately if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. Mesothelioma is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to manifest.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a much better outlook than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. In addition, the patient's age and gender may impact his or her mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than males.

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

Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to diagnose. This is especially evident in the beginning stages of the disease when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types cancer and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different laboratory.

Pleural effusions are a result of both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions may be a sign of both diseases but they are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and is not a form of cancer. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has questions about the symptoms of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate today. We can help you find the right doctor to receive an assessment and a treatment plan.