Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
While both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of certain organs or tissues, such as the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity and the lungs.
It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is due to the long time of latency for Asbestos Legal-related diseases.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but may also manifest in other areas of the body, such as the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. People with mesothelioma often suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving condition and because of its long latency period, most people don't realize they have it until years after their exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma because it doesn't spread. However, it can still cause lung problems and respiratory problems.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant tumour that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.
A person suffering from pleural mesothelioma can experience a chronic non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have a buildup of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on increasing the life duration. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and ease symptoms. This is accomplished by removing the fluid from the chest via the procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative treatment, which is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives.
Diagnosis
asbestos legal fibres inhalation can cause many symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they often mimic other conditions.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract, making it harder 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, which is a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos claim is the main cause of both conditions, however each one has its own set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities of the body. It is found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos lawyer numerous times.
To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visible signs of lung cancer. They can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are many ways to perform a mesothelium biopsy, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The patient's symptoms and their exposure history can also be used to identify mesothelioma.
Based on the type of cancer, a patient may be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In some instances surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis have the potential for returning even after treatment has been completed. This is why it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this method to detect recurrences and track the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however the symptoms can be similar.
Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking accelerates the progression of the condition. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In some instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays or lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest, abdomen or groin area, and then removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.
The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and decrease the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, and in some cases it is possible to perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in certain cases, recommend a lung transplant.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health problems including cancer and heart disease. To reduce these risks one should quit smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both illnesses share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and could take a long time to develop.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the severity of the disease and the location of the tumors and the type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent form, has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. In addition, the patient's age and gender can affect their mesothelioma's outlook. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better chance of survival than men.
The latency time period also plays a significant role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can range between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that it is so rare. This is particularly true in the early stages when symptoms are more mild and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types lung cancer, and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to review pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab.
Pleural effusions can be caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both conditions however they are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma, and is not a cancerous form. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience 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 mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate today. We can help you locate an expert doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.