Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several significant differences between mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, such as those that cover the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It typically begins in the lungs but it can also develop in other parts of the body, like the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on its type and stage. There are several typical symptoms like chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. Fatigue and anemia are the most common signs of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people do not know they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma, since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can cause lung and respiratory problems.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The main difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that isn't productive and chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen, which some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on prolonging the life time. Asbestosis is treated in less invasive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of your life and relieve symptoms. This is accomplished by removing the fluid from the chest through the procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis patients can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to appear to be similar to other ailments, making them difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed.
Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract making it more difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and changes in the shape of the finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they have different symptoms and have a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be located in the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times.
Doctors may order chest X-rays and CT scans to find 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 methods to take mesothelium samples such as a bronchoscopy needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location where mesothelioma is situated and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure to radiation can be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.
Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In certain cases surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which is a layer of lung tissue as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
Asbestosis, a less common condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can restrict breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more rapidly. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.
If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen and then removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for signs 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 in patients suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor may also drain the chest of fluid by thoracentesis, a procedure, and in some cases it is possible to perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in certain instances, suggest the donation of a lungs.
People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. To reduce their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also call their doctor immediately in the event of shortness of breath, fever and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. But mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to develop.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most prevalent type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. Additionally, yakima asbestos attorney and gender can impact his or her mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have better prognoses than males.
The latency period also plays a significant part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can be between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types cancer and even lung disease, so it is important for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are an indication of both diseases, but are not 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 it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma can. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is possible that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.