Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

There are some key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis isn't.

Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of certain organs and tissues, like those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

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

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also develop in other parts of the body such as the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the stage and type of the disease. However, there are typical symptoms, like difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, it is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately.

Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos litigation dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people do not know they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma since it doesn't spread. However it can still cause lung and respiratory problems.

Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The major distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis isn't.

A patient with pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen known as the ascites.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on increasing the life time. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less invasive. Treatment for asbestosis is focused on improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a procedure known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to ease pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care, which is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic other ailments.

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

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals comprised of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to Asbestos Legal is the cause of both diseases, but each one has its own set of symptoms and duration of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found within the mesothelium - a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be found on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when the patient was exposed to asbestos in several locations.

To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform an in-person biopsy to gain a better understanding of the kind of mesothelioma a patient has. There are many ways to perform a mesothelium biopsy, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.

The type of biopsy required will depend on where the mesothelioma is located and the part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The symptoms of the patient and their history of exposure to radiation can 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 certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at the present moment, however patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis have an increased risk of recurrence, even after treatment is completed. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where 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 asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.

Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos law fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, including monitoring the lungs. In certain instances the doctor might order chest Xrays and lung function tests.

If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen, chest or groin area, and then removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Based on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.

The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing issues due to asbestosis or other illnesses.

In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some instances they may recommend an organ transplant.

People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos legal are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also contact their doctor right away when they experience coughing, shortness of breath or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos settlement fibers causes mesothelioma, as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, but asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to be diagnosed.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors that include the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most prevalent type has a higher chance of success than sarcomatoid and biphasic types. The prognosis of mesothelioma could also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have a better prognosis than males.

The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.

It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so rare. This is especially so in the beginning stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types 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 laboratory.

Pleural effusions are caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both diseases, but are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and it does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma has. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is probable that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you love has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.