Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure, there are several key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other diseases. This is due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs but it can also develop in other areas of the body, including the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on the type and stage. There are several common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. People with mesothelioma often suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to
asbestos litigation dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and because of its long time of latency, many people do not know they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However, it can still cause lung and respiratory issues.
asbestos claim exposure is the root cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.
A person with pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that isn't productive and chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life expectancy. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, which is known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to ease the pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling
asbestos fibres can trigger many symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the disease is advanced.
Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring in the respiratory system and lungs which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of the finger and toe 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. Both diseases are result of this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and a separate time of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium - the protective layer that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to
asbestos claim multiple times.
To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. 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 location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium that it is located in. Symptoms and the patient's exposure history also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove affected tissue and shrink the size of tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However, patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment is completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found 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 well-known condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that could restrict breathing. Inhaling
asbestos claim can also increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more rapidly. If diagnosed with asbestosis, doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, which includes listening to the lungs. In some cases doctors may recommend chest X-rays and lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen, withdrawing some of the fluid, and then examining it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.
Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for
asbestos legal-related patients and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and, in certain cases, perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis to ease breathing problems caused asbestosis or other conditions.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition to treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in certain cases, suggest a lung donation.
People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they must quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also call their physician immediately in the event of fever, shortness or breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough and breath shortness. But mesothelioma is a cancer but asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable illnesses that can take years to manifest.
Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic types. Also, a patient's gender and age can impact his or her mesothelioma's outlook. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better prognoses than men.
The latency period also plays a major role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is so rare. This is particularly true in the early stages when symptoms are more mild and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions. It is crucial that pathologists thoroughly review reports, and ask for an additional opinion.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma, and is not cancerous. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate today. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
