Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma, despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma can form in the linings of certain organs or tissues, such as the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity and the lungs.
Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities in the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, however it can also grow in other areas of the body, including the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the type and stage of the disease. There are several common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis is typically caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its long latency, most people don't realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it doesn't spread. However it can still cause lung and respiratory issues.
Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor that grows in the mesothelium. asbestosis isn't.
A person suffering from pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that is not productive, as well as chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have the formation of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on increasing the life time. However, the method for treating asbestosis is less invasive. Treatment for asbestosis is focused on improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest through a procedure called thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma patients, and focuses primarily on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to are similar to other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring to the respiratory system and lungs, makes it difficult 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 and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals made of tiny fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they exhibit different symptoms and have a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities within the body. It is found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos several times.
To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also perform the biopsy to get a better idea of the type of mesothelioma a patient has. There are many methods to take mesothelium samples, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and the part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their exposure history can also be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.
Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms. In certain instances surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at the present moment, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment is completed. Therefore, sunnyvale asbestos lawyer is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is how a mesothelioma specialist can identify any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a layer of lung tissue, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can resemble those of either disease.
Asbestosis is a rare condition, which results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which could restrict breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the disease. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays.
If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, removing the small amount of fluid and then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible.
Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis, as well as reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in certain instances it is possible to perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments.
In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can also help patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases, recommend the possibility of a lung transplant.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they should stop smoking and stay up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also call their doctor immediately in the event of coughing, shortness of breath or fever.
Prognosis
The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that can take years to develop.
The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of factors that include the stage, location, and type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic varieties. Additionally, a patient's gender and age can impact his or her mesothelioma's outlook. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than men.
The latency period is also an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos, the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Because mesothelioma is so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other conditions. It is important that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports, and ask for an additional opinion.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs that is known as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung disorders such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. A person with asbestosis may be suffering from symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you know has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you find a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.