Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
While both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos, there are several important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of certain organs or tissues, such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity, as well as the lungs.
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities in the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs but it may also develop in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on the type and stage. However, there are typical symptoms, like difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis typically occurs after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and due to its lengthy latency period, most people don't realize they have it until long after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of other health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress.
Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.
A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural can experience a chronic, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on increasing the life duration. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less invasive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life and relieving symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest via the procedure known as Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients also can receive palliative treatment, which is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear to be similar to other ailments which makes them difficult to diagnose until the illness has progressed.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory system which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect other organs and cause abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they exhibit different symptoms and a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium, an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be located in the abdomen, lungs and in the heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times.
To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to check for visible signs of lung cancer. They can also conduct a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are a variety of ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as the part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure can be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry a high risk of returning, even after treatment is completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, is found in the mesothelium which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
Asbestosis is a less-common condition, which results from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that can make breathing difficult. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more quickly. Yorba Linda asbestos lawsuits will examine the patient and listen to the lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In some cases the doctor may order lung function tests and chest Xrays.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and removing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for evidence of malignant cells. Depending on the type treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy can be recommended.
Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and also reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest cavity of fluid, a process called thoracentesis, and in some cases performing a surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
In addition to pain-relieving therapies, doctors can help patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments and exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases suggest the donation of a lungs.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health issues including cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk, they should stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately if they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.
Prognosis
The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and breath shortness. Mesothelioma is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that could take years to develop.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors such as the stage, location, and type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent type, has a better chance of survival than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than men.
The time of latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as a different condition. Mesothelioma cells can resemble the cells of other types of 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.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a sign of both diseases however they are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma, and is not a cancerous form. Asbestosis sufferers may suffer from symptoms for a long time and eventually need oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate today. We can help you find a doctor who can identify and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.