Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos There are some important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of certain organs or tissues, for example 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 conditions. This is due to the lengthy latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually starts in the lungs, but it may also develop in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, stomach, and heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on its type and stage. There are many common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis is usually the result of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and due to its lengthy duration of latency, the majority of people don't recognize they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis isn't a condition that has the potential to spread like mesothelioma. However, it can trigger a range of health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The major distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. asbestosis does not.
A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have a buildup of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as the ascites.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less invasive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, which is called thoracentesis, and using medication to treat pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients also can receive palliative care, which concentrates on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger many symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to mimic other conditions, making them difficult to identify until the condition has advanced.
Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring in the lungs and respiratory system and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they have different symptoms and a separate period of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium which is a protective layer around specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be located in the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma can develop more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos numerous times.
Doctors will 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 that the patient has. There are many methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on where mesothelioma has been found and the part of the pleura's lining it is in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history will also influence how mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain cases, surgery may be used to remove affected tissue and shrink the size of 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 as well as asbestosis have the potential for returning even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can spot any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either.
Asbestosis is a less-common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances the doctor may recommend chest X-rays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma is suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest, abdomen or groin area, and then removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.
The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe asbestosis and decrease the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties due to asbestosis or other illnesses.
In addition to pain-relieving therapies, doctors can help patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases, recommend an organ transplant.
Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. To reduce these risks one should quit smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their physician immediately when they experience breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough and breathlessness. However, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, but asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and can take years to develop.
The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables, including the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a better prognosis compared to sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by the patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than males.
The latency period also plays a major role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing symptoms. mcallen asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma can range between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is particularly relevant in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types cancer and even lung disease, so it is important for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another laboratory.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both diseases however they are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and doesn't expand throughout the body as mesothelioma does. Asbestosis sufferers may continue to have symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you love has questions about mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms. We can help you find a doctor who can identify and prescribe a treatment plan.