Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not.

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

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs but it can also develop 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 however some common symptoms, including difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long duration of latency, the majority of people do not recognize they have it until long after their exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos lawsuits exposure. The major difference between the two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.

A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that is not productive, as well as chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on prolonging the life duration. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of your life and alleviate symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medications to manage the pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which is focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger a number of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to determine because they can mimic other ailments.

Asbestosis is a 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 the shape of the finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they have different symptoms and a separate time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities of the body. It can be located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos in several places.

Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to identify visual anomalies within the lungs. They can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.

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

Based on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce tumor size. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment has been completed. It is therefore essential to schedule regular follow-up visits. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to determine recurrences, and monitor the progress of the disease.

Treatment

As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop as a result of exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to 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, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking makes the condition progress more rapidly. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, such as listening to the lungs. In some instances, a doctor may order chest Xrays and lung function tests.

If mesothelioma has been identified, 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, removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type, YouTube either chemotherapy or surgery may be suggested.

The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis, and in some cases, perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.

Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients manage breathlessness and other symptoms, in addition to treatments for pain relief. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant.

People with asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To reduce these risks, they should stop smoking and stay current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor right away if they develop coughing, shortness of breath or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases have similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, constant coughing and breath shortness. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to develop.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic kinds. Additionally, a patient's gender and age can influence their mesothelioma's outlook. Females and younger patients tend to have better outcomes than males.

The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he will develop symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma varies 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 more mild and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is important that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports, and ask for a second opinion.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid buildup in the lungs known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be a sign of both diseases but they are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis resemble those of other lung conditions, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and it does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma has. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate today. We can help you locate an expert doctor to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan.