Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma on the other side, is a cancer.
Mesothelioma develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but may also manifest in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the stage and type of the disease. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing and breathing difficulties. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and because of its long duration of latency, the majority of people don't even know they have it until long after their exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma since it doesn't spread. However it can cause lung problems and respiratory issues.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. lawrence asbestos law firm between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.
A person with pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that isn't productive and chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of fluid in the abdomen, which is called anascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on prolonging the life duration. However, the method of treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This is accomplished by taking the fluid out of the chest via the procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for asbestosis-related cases. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breathe, cough, and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to identify until the illness has progressed.
Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities of the body. It can be located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop 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 detect visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on where the mesothelioma is located and in what part of the pleura's lining it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history will also affect the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of cancer, a patient may be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms can be similar.
Asbestosis, a less well-known condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which could restrict breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. If diagnosed with asbestosis doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, including taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays or lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma is suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken from the pleural mesothelium and examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen, withdrawing a small amount of fluid, and then checking it for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.
Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life in patients suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and, in certain 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 breathlessness and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. 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 like cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases one should quit smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor immediately if they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses have similar symptoms like chest pain as well as persistent coughing and breathlessness. However, mesothelioma can be cancerous while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to manifest.
Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease, the location of tumors and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most prevalent type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid types. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than males.
The latency period is also an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is extremely uncommon. This is especially relevant in the initial stages of the disease when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. It is important that pathologists thoroughly review reports, and ask for an opinion from a second source.
Pleural effusions are a result of mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases, however, they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma can. However, those suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.