Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma on the other being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, including the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a lengthy latency.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs, but it may also manifest in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. There are however some common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. People with mesothelioma often suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis is usually the result of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its lengthy latency, many people do not realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma, since it doesn't spread. However, it can still cause respiratory problems and lung problems.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that isn't productive, as well as chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of abdominal fluid, which is called ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life time. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and ease symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a process known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medication to treat the pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered to mesothelioma patients, and is focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause various symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the condition has advanced.
Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract, making it harder to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of tiny fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases, however each one has its own set of symptoms and duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos in multiple places.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They may also take the biopsy to gain a better understanding of the type of mesothelioma that patient. There are several methods used to take mesothelium for a biopsy that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location and the part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. north las vegas asbestos lawsuit and their exposure history can also be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In some cases, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. At present, there is no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment has been completed. It is therefore important to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either.
Asbestosis, a less well-known condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that restricts breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop faster. If asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In certain instances the doctor might order chest Xrays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma is 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 abdomen or chest and removing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.
The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from asbestosis severe and decrease the severity of complications. A doctor may also drain the chest cavity of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, and in some cases performing an operation called pleurodesis to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases, recommend a lung transplant.
Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health issues like heart disease and cancer. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases one should quit smoking and stay current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately if they develop coughing, shortness of breath or fever.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breathe. Mesothelioma, however, is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to develop.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a number of factors, including the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid, the most common type, has a better outlook than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender may influence their mesothelioma's outlook. Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than males.
The time of latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can be between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to diagnose. This is especially evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. It is important to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and then request an additional opinion.
Pleural effusions are caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of the two diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are like those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis is not as widespread as mesothelioma, and is not a form of cancer. A person with asbestosis may suffer from symptoms for a long time and may require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you love has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you find an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.