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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

While both diseases are caused by asbestos settlement exposure There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't.

Mesothelioma can form in the linings of specific organs or tissues, like the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.

Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos claim-related diseases.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, but it can also grow in other areas of the body, like the stomach, the heart and abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the type and stage. However, there are typical symptoms, like difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are both the most common signs of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is important 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 condition and because of its long duration of latency, the majority of people do not realize they have it until long after their exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma, but it can trigger a range of health issues such as lung problems and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.

A patient with pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is called clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less invasive manner. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest using a procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma patients, and is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger many symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed.

Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of the finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).

Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos litigation which is a class of minerals comprised of tiny fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they exhibit different symptoms and have a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be found on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos multiple times.

Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities within the lung. They can also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are a variety of ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.

The type of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location and the part of the mesothelium it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure background will also affect how mesothelioma can be diagnosed.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However, patients can get palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have a high risk of repeating even after treatment has been completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and track the progress of the disease.

Treatment

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but the symptoms are often similar.

Asbestosis is a less-common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can restrict breathing. asbestos case exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more rapidly. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays or lung-function tests.

If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle in 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, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.

The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and lessen the degree of the complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and, in certain cases, perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments.

In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow up appointments and exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases, recommend an organ transplant.

People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk of developing these diseases, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.

Prognosis

The inhalation of asbestos settlement fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and breathlessness. However, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, but asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable illnesses that can take years to develop.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the severity of the disease and the location of the tumors and the type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent form, has a better chance of survival than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by the patient's gender and age. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better odds than men.

The latency period is also an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Because mesothelioma is so rare, it is often difficult to identify. This is especially evident in the initial stages when symptoms are more mild and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different laboratory.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are like those of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and doesn't cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma can. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you know have questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you locate the right doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.