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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

There are a few important differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis is not.

Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of specific organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and the lungs.

Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long time between the onset of Asbestos Legal-related illnesses.

Signs and symptoms

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

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and stage. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a physician immediately.

Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people don't realize they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can trigger a range of health issues, like lung issues and respiratory distress.

Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis is not.

A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural may experience a persistent non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive manner. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This includes draining the fluid from the chest using a procedure called Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they can mimic other ailments.

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

Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals composed of tiny fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they have different symptoms and have a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a protective layer around specific organs and cavities of the body. It is located in the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos multiple times.

Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities within the lung. They may also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are many methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery.

The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as which part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history will also affect how mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to ease symptoms. In some instances surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, but patients may receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment is complete. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can spot recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease.

Treatment

As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos claim. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however symptoms may resemble the symptoms of either.

Asbestosis is a less-common condition that results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that can restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop faster. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In certain instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays and lung-function tests.

If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen and then removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.

The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also remove the chest cavity of fluid, a process called thoracentesis and, in some instances performing a surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.

In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients deal with breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have the possibility of a lung transplant.

People suffering from asbestos case-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To reduce the risk of developing these diseases, they should quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos legal fibers can cause both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung condition. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breathe. However, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and can take years to develop.

Mesothelioma prognosis varies based on several aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most prevalent type has a higher chance of success than sarcomatoid and biphasic types. Also, a patient's age and gender can influence their mesothelioma's prognosis. Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than males.

The length of time that a person is in latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can range between 10 and fifty years after exposure.

Because mesothelioma is so rare, it is often difficult to identify. This is especially relevant in the initial stages of the disease when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types lung disease and cancer, so it is important for doctors to examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different laboratory.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases however they aren't life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders like chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and is not cancerous. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has questions about the symptoms of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you locate an expert doctor to receive an assessment and a treatment plan.