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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

While both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos, there are several significant differences between mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, such as the lung (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is due to the long time of latency for asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs, however it can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, the heart and abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on its type and stage. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a physician immediately.

Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its long duration of latency, many people don't realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the potential to spread like mesothelioma. However, it can cause a variety of other health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium, while asbestosis does not.

A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural may experience a persistent, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen, which some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life duration. Asbestosis is treated in a less intensive way. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis. It also involves using medication to treat the pain. Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants for asbestosis-related cases. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care, which is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they can mimic other conditions.

Asbestosis, a progressive lung condition that causes scarring of the respiratory system and lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).

Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos law, which is a family of minerals made of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they exhibit different symptoms and a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It is located in the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if the person was exposed to asbestos in several places.

To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors usually order chest Xrays 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 ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.

The type of biopsy required will depend on where the mesothelioma is located and what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. Symptoms and the patient's exposure background will also play a role in the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to ease symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry the highest risk of recurrence, even after the treatment has been completed. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can detect any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma aswell as asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.

Asbestosis is a less-common disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that restricts breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances, the doctor will order lung-function tests and chest X-rays.

If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, and removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.

Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life for asbestos case-related patients and also reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties due to asbestosis or other illnesses.

Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant.

Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk it is recommended that they stop smoking and stay current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.

Prognosis

The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases share similar symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma is cancerous and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to develop.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of variables that include the stage, location, and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic types. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better prognosis than men.

The latency time period also plays a major part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos legal - Highly recommended Reading -, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so uncommon. This is particularly so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types of lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab.

Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs that is known as an the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases, however they aren't life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and doesn't expand throughout the body as mesothelioma does. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you locate a doctor who can identify and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.