Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of specific organs or tissues, for example the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but it can also occur in other parts of the body such as the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. There are several common symptoms, including chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing and breathing difficulties. Anemia and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can spread to other areas of the body, and when it does, it is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is crucial to consult an expert if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis is usually the result of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its lengthy latency, many people don't realize they have it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma, since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung and respiratory issues.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis does not.
A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that isn't productive and chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life time. Asbestosis is treated in a less intensive way. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest via a procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear to be similar to other ailments which makes them difficult to identify until the condition has advanced.
Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals made of tiny fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, but each has a different set of symptoms and a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It is located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos numerous times.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also take the biopsy to gain a better understanding of what type of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of methods to take mesothelium for a biopsy such as a bronchoscopy needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location and which part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. Symptoms and the patient's exposure background will also play a role in how mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Depending on the type, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissues and reduce the size of the tumor. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have the potential for returning, even after treatment is completed. This is why it's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong survival for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
Asbestosis, a less common condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the disease. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In certain instances, a doctor may order chest X-rays or lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium to test for laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen and removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer, either chemotherapy or surgery may be suggested.
Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for asbestos-related patients, as well as reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments.
In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can also help patients control 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, suggest the donation of a lungs.
Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a high risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To decrease passaic asbestos attorneys of developing these diseases it is recommended that they stop smoking and keep up-to-date on vaccinations for influenza as well as pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately in the event of shortness of breath, coughing or fever.
Prognosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms like chest pain as well as persistent coughing and breath shortness. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that 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 form, has a better prognosis compared to biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than men.
The latency period is also an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so rare. This is especially true in the early stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of lung disease and cancer, so it is important for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different lab.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis is not as widespread as mesothelioma, and is not cancerous. However, those suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is possible that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you know have questions regarding mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms. We can help you find a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan.