Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Both diseases are triggered by asbestos legal exposure There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, on one being a cancer, is not.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is due to the fact that asbestos compensation-related diseases have a lengthy latency.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma, is a cancerous tumor that affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities within the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, however it can also grow in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and stage. There are however some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Fatigue and anemia are the most common signs of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

Asbestosis usually develops after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its long duration of latency, many people don't realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of other health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.

A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis is treated in a less intensive manner. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. This involves taking the fluid out of the chest using a procedure called Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative care, which is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently appear to be similar to other ailments and are difficult to identify until the illness has progressed.

Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs making it more difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing).

Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both conditions, however each has a different set of symptoms and latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be located in the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos case in multiple places.

To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many methods to conduct a mesothelium biopsies such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.

The type of biopsy 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 can be used to identify mesothelioma.

Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In some instances, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissues and reduce the size of the tumor. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatment to improve quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after the treatment has been completed. This is why it's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to determine recurrences, and track the progress of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma and as well as asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either.

Asbestosis, a less common condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos litigation fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring that could restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more rapidly. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, which includes monitoring the lungs. In some instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.

If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, and removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.

Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for asbestos-related patients and also reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing problems due to asbestosis or other illnesses.

Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms, in addition to treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some instances, recommend a lung transplant.

People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems including cancer and heart disease. To reduce their risk, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also contact their doctor immediately if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and breath shortness. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease, the location of cancerous cells and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic kinds. The prognosis of mesothelioma could be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better chance of survival than men.

The latency period is also an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos, the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Since mesothelioma can be so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is particularly so in the beginning stages when symptoms are more mild and could be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is important that pathologists thoroughly review reports, and ask for an opinion from a second source.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs that is known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both diseases, but are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and is not cancerous. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you love is unsure about mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.