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 a cancer and asbestosis isn't.
Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of certain organs and tissues, such as the lung (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is due to the lengthy latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs, but it can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and stage of the disease. However, there are some common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. It is crucial to consult an expert if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis is typically caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its long duration of latency, many people do not realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung problems and respiratory problems.
Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.
A person with pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that isn't productive, as well as chest pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on prolonging the life duration. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. Treatment for asbestosis is focused on improving the quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medication to treat pain. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative treatment, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause several symptoms, like a shortness of breath as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to determine since they often resemble other conditions.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they have different symptoms and a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - an outer layer of protection that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It is found on the lungs, heart and abdomen. santa clara asbestos lawyer can develop more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos several times.
Doctors may order chest X-rays and CT scans to find visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct an in-person biopsy to get a better idea of the type of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of ways to perform a mesothelium biopsy that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on where mesothelioma has been found and what part of the pleura's lining it is in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their exposure history can also be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, but patients may receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry an increased risk of recurrence even after the treatment has been completed. Therefore, it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to determine recurrences, and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms may resemble the symptoms of either.
Asbestosis is a less-common condition, which results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring that can restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease. If diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as monitoring the lungs. In some cases doctors may recommend chest Xrays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be taken from the pleural mesothelium to be evaluated in a lab. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, and removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.
The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid, a process called thoracentesis and, in some instances performing the surgical procedure called pleurodesis to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in certain cases it is recommended to have the possibility of a lung transplant.
People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk, they should stop smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breathe. But mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to be diagnosed.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most frequent type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid types. The prognosis of mesothelioma could also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better odds than males.
The latency period plays a major role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma varies between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so uncommon. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease, when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other diseases. It is essential that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports, and ask for a second opinion.
Pleural effusions are a result of mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom 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 does not spread like mesothelioma, and is not a cancerous form. However, a person with asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is possible that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate today. We can help you find a doctor to get an assessment and a treatment plan.