Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lung (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs but it can also grow in other areas of the body, like the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and stage. There are a few typical symptoms like chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. Anemia and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, it is known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its lengthy latency, many people do not realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma since it doesn't spread. However it can 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 tumour that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.
A person suffering from pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that is not productive, as well as chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that a few sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on increasing the life time. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less invasive. Treatment for asbestosis is focused on improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. louisiana asbestos attorneys includes draining the fluid from the chest through a procedure called Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which focuses primarily on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause many symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to diagnose until the condition has advanced.
Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract making it more difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals comprised of micro-sized fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and have a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be found in the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to form if the person was exposed to asbestos in a variety of places.
Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans to identify visual anomalies within the lungs. They may also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are several methods used to take mesothelium for a biopsy, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery.
The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location and what part of the mesothelium it is located in. The patient's symptoms and their exposure history can also be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is completed. Therefore, it is essential to have regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can detect the recurrence of the disease and monitor the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which covers the lungs as well as the chest cavity, abdomen and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer but the symptoms are similar.
Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring, which could restrict breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In some cases the doctor may order lung function tests and chest Xrays.
If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin area, and then removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible.
The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also remove the chest cavity of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in some instances, perform an operation known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition to treatments for pain relief. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases suggest the donation of a lung.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases it is recommended that they stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor right away in the event of coughing, shortness of breath or fever.
Prognosis
Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed.
The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of variables that include the stage, location, and the type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent form, has a much better chance of survival than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Also, a patient's gender and age can affect their mesothelioma's outlook. Younger patients and females tend to have a better chance of survival than males.
The length of time that a person is in latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
It is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is so uncommon. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as a different condition. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types of lung disease and cancer It is crucial for doctors to thoroughly look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another laboratory.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs 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 similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and doesn't cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma does. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.