Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
While both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, like the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities within the body. It usually begins in the lungs but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and stage. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its lengthy latency, many people do not realize they have it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it doesn't spread. However it can still cause lung problems and respiratory issues.
Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, 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 a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on prolonging the lifespan. However, the method of treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis, and using medications to manage pain. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for asbestosis-related cases. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a variety of symptoms like shortness of breath as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they often mimic other conditions.
Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring of the respiratory system and lungs, makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different duration of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be located on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos in several places.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visible signs of lung cancer. They may also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are several methods used to take mesothelium for a biopsy that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery.
The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as what part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history also affect the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can 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 as of this time, but patients may receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to have regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify the recurrence of the disease and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, is found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the 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 airborne asbestos fibers. They cause irritation to the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking can cause the condition to develop faster. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some instances, the doctor will order chest X-rays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma has been suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken of the pleural mesothelium 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, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.
Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life in asbestos-related patients, as well as reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing problems due to asbestosis or other illnesses.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments and exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, recommend a lung donation.
People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they should stop smoking and be on the lookout for with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their doctor right away in the event of shortness of breath, fever and cough.
Prognosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses have similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma is cancerous and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and can take years to develop.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease, the location of tumors and the type of cells. Epithelioid which is the most prevalent type, has a better prognosis compared to biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient's gender and age can impact his or her mesothelioma's outlook. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than men.
The length of time that a person is in latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can be between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so uncommon. This is particularly evident in the initial stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is crucial to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and ask for an opinion from a second source.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both diseases however they are not life-threatening.
pleasanton asbestos lawsuit of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung diseases like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma can. Asbestosis sufferers may suffer from symptoms for a long time and may require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate today. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.