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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis While both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos There are some significant differences between mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of certain organs and tissues, like those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that protects 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 surrounds certain organs and cavities in the body. It usually starts in the lungs, but it can also grow in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, the heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the stage and type of the disease. There are several common symptoms, including chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing, and difficulty breathing. Anemia and fatigue are the most typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's 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 don't recognize they have it until decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma, since it does not spread. However, it can still cause lung and respiratory problems. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The major difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium. asbestosis does not. A patient with pleural mesothelioma can experience a chronic non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have the formation of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as anascites. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Treatment for asbestosis is focused on improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to manage the pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care, which concentrates on managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause many symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to identify since they often resemble other ailments. Asbestosis is a recurring 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, fluid accumulation 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 class of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both conditions, however each has a different set of symptoms and a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium, an outer layer of protection that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be located in the lungs, abdomen and in the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if a person has been exposed to asbestos multiple times. To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many ways to take a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. somerville asbestos lawyer of biopsy that is required will depend on where mesothelioma is situated and the part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The patient's symptoms and their exposure history can also be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Based on the type of cancer the patient is treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In certain instances it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have a high risk of recurrence even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress 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 that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms are often similar. Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which could restrict breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In certain instances the doctor may recommend chest X-rays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and then removing a small amount of fluid, and then checking it for indications of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest cavity of fluid, a process called thoracentesis and, in some instances, perform the surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients manage their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments and exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, suggest the donation of a lung. People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk one should quit smoking and be current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor right away when they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both illnesses have similar symptoms, including chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and could take a long time to manifest. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables that include the stage, location, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most prevalent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. Also, a patient's age and gender may influence their mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have a better prognosis than men. The latency time period also plays a significant role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is especially evident in the beginning stages of the disease, when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cells can resemble those of other types of lung disease and cancer It is crucial for doctors to look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different lab. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as an the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and doesn't cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma has. The person suffering from asbestosis could suffer from symptoms for a long time and eventually need oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has questions about the symptoms of asbestosis or mesothelioma, get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can help you locate the right doctor to receive an assessment and a treatment plan.