Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are caused by asbestos (sneak a peek here) exposure There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, on one being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma can form in the linings of certain organs or tissues, like 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 diseases. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a lengthy latency.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but can also occur in other parts of the body like the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and stage of the disease. There are many common symptoms, including chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. People with mesothelioma often experience fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos lawyer fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long latency, most people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues such as lung problems and respiratory distress.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that is not productive, and chest pain. Some patients report experiencing 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, which some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, which is called thoracentesis, and using medications to manage pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms frequently are similar to other conditions which makes them difficult to identify until the disease is advanced.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring in the respiratory system and lungs and makes it difficult 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).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos lawsuit is the root cause of both conditions, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium – an outer layer of protection that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be found in the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos in several places.
Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to find visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are many ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery.
The kind of biopsy that is required will depend on the location where mesothelioma is situated and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is located in. The patient’s symptoms and their history of exposure can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment has been completed. This is why it’s essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to identify recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but the symptoms are similar.
Asbestosis, a less well-known condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Inhaling asbestos lawsuit can also increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some cases the doctor may order lung-function tests and chest X-rays.
If mesothelioma is suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the pleural mesothelium and evaluated in a lab. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen, withdrawing a small amount of fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.
The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the severity of complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused asbestosis or other conditions.
In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients manage their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, recommend a lung donation.
People suffering from asbestos legal-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health issues including heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. They should also call their doctor right away when they experience coughing, shortness of breath or fever.
Prognosis
The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, persistent coughing and breath shortness. Mesothelioma is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn’t. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that can take years to manifest.
Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of aspects, including the stage of the disease, the location of cancerous cells and the type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent type, has a better outlook than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient’s gender and age can influence their mesothelioma’s prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have better outcomes than males.
The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma varies between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to diagnose. This is particularly true in the early stages, when symptoms are less severe and can be misdiagnosed as a different condition. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types lung disease and cancer It is crucial for doctors to look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different lab.
Pleural effusions are caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, but they are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung diseases such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis is not as widespread as 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 mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate today. We can assist you in finding a doctor to get an assessment and a treatment plan.