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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis While both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure There are some important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other being a cancer, is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, like those that cover the lung (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities in the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but can also occur in other parts of the body such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can 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. Patients with mesothelioma usually experience fatigue and anemia as well. Alameda asbestos lawsuit occurs when the cancer spreads to other areas of your body. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Asbestosis usually develops after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its lengthy latency, many people do not realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma, since it does not spread. However, it can still cause respiratory problems and lung issues. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis is not. A person with mesothelioma pleural can experience a chronic, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have a buildup of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as ascites. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in a less invasive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest through the procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered to mesothelioma sufferers, which is focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breathe cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, these symptoms often mimic other conditions and are difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed. Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, but each one has its own set of symptoms and duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, a protective layer around certain organs and cavities of the body. It can be found on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos multiple times. Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to find visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct a biopsy to get a better idea of the kind of mesothelioma a patient has. There are a variety of ways to conduct a mesothelium biopsies, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location and which part of the mesothelium it is located in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure to radiation can be used to identify mesothelioma. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissues and reduce the size of the tumor. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment is complete. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this method to detect recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatments can prolong the life of patients for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer but the symptoms are often similar. Asbestosis, a less well-known condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can make breathing difficult. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more rapidly. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances the doctor might order chest Xrays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen, withdrawing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for evidence of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested. Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and also reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments. In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can also help patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments as well as exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some instances it is recommended to have the possibility of a lung transplant. People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To reduce their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. Mesothelioma, however, is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of variables that include the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a much better outlook than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender may affect their mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have a better prognosis than males. The latency period plays a major part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma varies between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is so uncommon. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease when symptoms are less severe and could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. It is essential that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports and request a second opinion. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan.