Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on the other being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, such as those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a long latency period.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs, however it can also grow in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. There are many common symptoms, including chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, it is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its long latency, most people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma, since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung and respiratory issues.
Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.
A patient with mesothelioma pleural might experience a constant non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on prolonging the life expectancy. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This includes draining fluid from the chest, a process known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to ease pain. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants in the case of severe asbestosis cases. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which focuses primarily on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as shortness of breathe cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are difficult to identify because they can mimic other ailments.
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 other organs which can cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they have different symptoms and a separate latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities within the body. It can be found in the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when the patient was exposed to asbestos in several locations.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are several methods used to take a biopsy of the mesothelium, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and which part of the mesothelium it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms. In some 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 at the present moment, however patients can be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment has been completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the reason of both mesothelioma as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
Asbestosis is not a common condition, which results from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more quickly. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, which includes listening to the lungs. In some cases, the doctor will order lung function tests and chest Xrays.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and then removing some of the fluid, and then examining it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.
Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life in patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and, in certain cases, perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused asbestosis or other conditions.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases recommend the donation of a lung.
People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also contact their doctor right away in the event of shortness of breath, coughing or fever.
Prognosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both illnesses have similar symptoms like chest pain, persistent cough and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to develop.
mesothelioma asbestos claim of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables such as the stage, location, and type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent type, has a better chance of survival than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender can influence their mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and patients who are younger tend to have better outcomes than males.
The latency period plays a significant role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos in the future, the more likely will develop symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can vary between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types of lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs known as an the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are the symptom of the two diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis resemble those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and doesn't cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma does. Asbestosis sufferers may suffer from symptoms for a long time and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you know have questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe a treatment plan.