Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on the other being a cancer, is not.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, including the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that protects 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.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that 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 can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to the type and stage of the disease. There are many common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Anemia and fatigue are both common symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and because of its long time of latency, many people do not realize they have it until long after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma since it does not spread. However it can still cause lung problems and respiratory problems.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The major difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from pleural mesothelioma may experience a persistent non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life duration. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis. It also involves using medications to ease pain. Patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for lung transplants in the case of severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is offered for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath as well as cough and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the disease is advanced.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs making it more difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they have different symptoms and a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma, 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 located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form if the person was exposed to asbestos in multiple places.
To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also perform the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are many methods to take mesothelium for a biopsy, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location and what part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have an increased risk of repeating, even after treatment is completed. This is why it is crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. This is how a mesothelioma specialist can identify the recurrence of the disease and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms can be similar.
Asbestosis is not a common condition that results from long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They cause irritation to the lung tissue, leading to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking increases the risk of the condition. If asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as monitoring the lungs. In some cases, a doctor may order chest Xrays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma has been suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken of the pleural mesothelium to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, and removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on boston asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.
Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life in patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also remove the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, and in some cases, perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients manage breathing problems and other symptoms, in addition to pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases recommend the donation of a lung.
People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a high risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk one should quit smoking and stay current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their physician immediately in the event of breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that could take years to be diagnosed.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors, including the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic varieties. The prognosis for mesothelioma may also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than men.
The latency time period also plays a significant part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.
Since mesothelioma can be so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types lung cancer, and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different laboratory.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and is not cancerous. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and may eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you know is unsure about mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms. We can help you locate a doctor to get an assessment and a treatment plan.