Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
While both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos, there are several important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other side, is a cancer.
Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of particular organs or tissues, such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is due to the lengthy time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the 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 can also develop in other areas of the body like the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the type and stage. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. It is crucial to consult an expert if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis is typically caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving condition and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people don't know they have it until decades after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung problems and respiratory problems.
Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.
A person suffering from pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that isn't productive, and chest pain. laguna niguel asbestos attorneys report experiencing difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as anascites.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving the quality of life and relieving symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available for mesothelioma patients. It is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often are similar to other conditions and are difficult to identify until the condition has advanced.
Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract 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 fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, however each has a different set of symptoms and a different time of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It is located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos several times.
To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to check for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are a variety of ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.
The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location and what part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The symptoms of the patient and their history of exposure to radiation can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Depending on the type the patient is treated by radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In certain instances it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease 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 has been completed. It is therefore important to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma and as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however the symptoms are often similar.
Asbestosis is a rare disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress faster. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In some instances the doctor might order chest X-rays and lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and then removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.
The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis and also reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis in order to ease breathing issues caused by asbestosis or other ailments.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments, doctors can help patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant.
People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing health issues like cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they should stop smoking and be on the lookout for with their pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. They should also contact their doctor immediately if they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.
Prognosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant coughing and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma can be cancerous while asbestosis is not. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to manifest.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors such as the stage, location, and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. Additionally, a patient's age and gender may affect their mesothelioma's outlook. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better prognosis than men.
The latency period plays a major role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the latency period for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly relevant in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other conditions. It is important that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports and request a second opinion.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both conditions, but are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. The person suffering from asbestosis could be suffering from symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you love have questions about mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan.