Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

There are a few important distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis is not.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs and tissues, like those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually 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 differ based on the type and stage. However, there are typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma can also spread to other areas of the body, and when it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience 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 disease and, due to its long latency, most people are unaware of it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis isn’t as harmful as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However it can cause respiratory problems and lung problems.

Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis is not.

A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural can experience a chronic, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that a few sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a process known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to manage the pain. Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants in the case of severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma patients, and focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

asbestos attorney fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because they often mimic other conditions.

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

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos legal (index), which is a family of minerals composed of tiny fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both conditions, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities in the body. It is located in the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos several times.

Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs. They can also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are several methods used to take mesothelium samples, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.

The kind of biopsy that is required will depend on the location where mesothelioma has been found and in what part of the pleura’s lining it is in. The patient’s symptoms and their history of exposure to radiation can be used to identify mesothelioma.

Based on the type of cancer the patient is treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this time, but patients may receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have the potential for repeating, even after treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to schedule regular follow-up visits. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this method to detect recurrences and track the progress of the disease.

Treatment

As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong survival for a long time. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but the symptoms are often similar.

Asbestosis is a less-common condition that results from long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring that can make breathing difficult. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more quickly. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lung if asbestosis is detected. In some cases the doctor may recommend chest X-rays and lung function tests.

If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and removing some of the fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.

Surgical removal of asbestos compensation-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in some instances performing the surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.

Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathlessness and other symptoms in addition to pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases suggest a lung donation.

People with asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To reduce their risk, they should stop smoking and be on the lookout for with their pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. They should also consult their physician immediately when they experience breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough.

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, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer, while asbestosis isn’t. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and can take years to be diagnosed.

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, the most frequent type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. In addition, the patient’s age and gender can impact his or her mesothelioma’s prognosis. Younger patients and females tend to have a better chance of survival than men.

The latency period is also an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.

Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is especially so in the beginning stages when symptoms are milder and could be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different laboratory.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs known as a the pleural effusion. 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 a form of cancer. The person suffering from asbestosis could be suffering from symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you love is unsure about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you locate a doctor who can identify and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.