Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure There are some important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of certain organs and tissues, including the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma, is a cancerous tumor that is a threat to the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities in the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but can also occur in other parts of the body like the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. There are several common symptoms, including chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing, and difficulty breathing. Anemia and fatigue are both common symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also spread to other areas of the body, and when it does, it's known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is essential to speak with an expert if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos claim dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long latency, most people are unaware of it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma, since it does not spread. However, it can still cause respiratory problems and lung problems.
Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.
A person suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura can experience a chronic non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending the life expectancy of patients. However, the method of treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. This includes draining fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease pain. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause several symptoms, like a shortness of breath cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms tend to are similar to other conditions, making them difficult to diagnose until the illness has progressed.
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, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and changes in the shape of the finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos compensation exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals made up of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both conditions, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a distinct duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It is located on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer numerous times.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as what part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history also affect how mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In certain instances surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. At present, there is no cure available for mesothelioma. However, patients can get palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis have the potential for repeating, even after treatment is completed. Therefore, it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to identify recurrences and track the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma and as well asbestosis. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer but the symptoms are similar.
Asbestosis is a less-common condition that results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the disease. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.
If mesothelioma has been suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken of the pleural mesothelium to be evaluated in a lab. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then examining it for evidence of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.
The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients with severe asbestosis and decrease the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in certain instances performing the surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases it is recommended to have a lung transplant.
People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health issues like heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk it is recommended that they stop smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor right away in the event of fever, shortness or breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and can take years to manifest.
Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease and the location of the tumors and the kind of cells. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a better outlook than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender can influence their mesothelioma's outlook. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than men.
The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can range between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to diagnose. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma cells can resemble the cells of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully review pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs that is known as an the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be a sign of the two diseases, but they are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and is not a form of cancer. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is possible that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you know is unsure regarding mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms. We can help you find a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.