Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs and tissues, including those that cover the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other diseases. This is due to the long time of latency for [[https://townrocket03.bravejournal.net/10-erroneous-answers-to-common-mesothelioma-asbestos-lawyer-questions-do-you|Asbestos Legal]]-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually begins in the lungs but can also occur in other areas of the body, such as the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to [[https://bennetsen-boyle.mdwrite.net/how-to-outsmart-your-boss-on-asbestos-mesothelioma-treatment/|asbestos case]] dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its long latency, most people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it does not spread. However, it can still cause lung problems and respiratory problems. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The major difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis is not. A person with mesothelioma of the pleura may experience a persistent non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have a buildup of abdominal fluid, which is called anascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life time. Asbestosis is treated in a less intensive manner. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This includes draining fluid from the chest, which is called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease the pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative treatment, which is focused on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, like a shortness of breath cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they often 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 other organs and cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different time 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 located in the lungs, abdomen and in the heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to [[https://willysforsale.com/author/damageswim47/|asbestos lawsuit]] several times. Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs. They can also conduct an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are many methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history will also affect the way mesothelioma is diagnosed. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissue and shrink the size of tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry the potential for recurrence even after treatment has been completed. It is therefore important to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can detect recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to [[https://wikimapia.org/external_link?url=https://vimeo.com/703527082|asbestos claim]]. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, is found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms are similar. Asbestosis is not a common condition that results from prolonged exposure to airborne [[https://theorygrade0.bravejournal.net/the-reason-everyone-is-talking-about-asbestos-attorney-lawyer-mesothelioma-today|asbestos law]] fibers. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that could restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lung if asbestosis is detected. In some instances the doctor may order chest X-rays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the pleural mesothelium and examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and then removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for indications of malignant cells. Depending on the type of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy can be recommended. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the severity of the complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a procedure 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 treatments, doctors can help patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in some cases recommend the donation of a lung. People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health issues including cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk, they should stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience coughing, shortness of breath or fever. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breathe. However, mesothelioma is cancerous and asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that could take years to develop. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a number of factors that include the stage, location and the type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common type, has a better outlook than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The prognosis of mesothelioma could also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better prognosis than males. The latency period plays a significant part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to [[https://www.instapaper.com/p/14473170|asbestos attorney]] the greater the chance of developing symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma varies between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to diagnose. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are not as severe and can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to the cells of other types of cancer and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and isn't cancerous. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.