Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure There are some important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other hand, is a cancer.
Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of specific organs and tissues, including those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a long time of latency.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs but it may also develop in other parts of the body, like the abdomen, stomach, and heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on its type and stage. There are however some typical symptoms, like difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are both common symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it's called metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long duration of latency, the majority of people do not know they have it until years after their exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues, like lung issues and respiratory distress.
Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The primary distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium, while asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura can experience a chronic non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which is called the ascites.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life duration. However, the method for treating asbestosis is less invasive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This involves taking the fluid out of the chest via a procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It focuses primarily on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause a variety of symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose since they often resemble other ailments.
Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract, making it harder to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases, but each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if the person was exposed to asbestos in a variety of locations.
To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery.
The kind of biopsy that is required will depend on the location where the mesothelioma is located and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history also play a role in how mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of cancer, a patient may be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In certain cases surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissues and reduce tumor size. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma, but patients can get palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment has been completed. It is therefore essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell as asbestosis. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer but the symptoms are similar.
Asbestosis, a less common condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease. If diagnosed with asbestosis, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, which includes listening to the lungs. In certain instances the doctor might order chest X-rays and lung-function tests.
If mesothelioma has been suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken of the mesothelium of the pleural region to be evaluated in a lab. ann arbor asbestos lawyer involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, and removing the small amount of fluid and then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer, either chemotherapy or surgery may be suggested.
The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and, in certain cases, perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused asbestosis or other conditions.
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 certain cases, suggest the donation of a lungs.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they must quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. They should also call their doctor immediately if they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.
Prognosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms like chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that can take years to develop.
The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a number of factors, including the stage, location and type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most prevalent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. The prognosis of mesothelioma could be affected by the patient's gender and age. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better odds than men.
The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos in the future, the more likely or she is to develop symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can vary between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so uncommon. This is especially relevant in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other diseases. It is important that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports, and then request an opinion from a second source.
Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which is known as an the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be a sign of both diseases, but are not life-threatening.
The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and is not a cancerous form. Asbestosis sufferers may be suffering from symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you love has questions regarding mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan.