![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure, there are several key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most importantly, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of specific organs or tissues, such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other conditions. https://vimeo.com/703528492 is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities within the body. It is most often found in the lungs but can also occur in other areas of the body such as the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and stage of the disease. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Anemia and fatigue are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its long duration of latency, many people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma since it isn't a cancerous condition. However, it can still cause respiratory problems and lung problems. Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not. A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen, which some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on prolonging the lifespan. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is offered to mesothelioma patients, and is primarily focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause many symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to identify since they often resemble other ailments. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring to the lungs and respiratory system and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, but each one has its own set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a protective layer around specific organs and cavities of the body. It can be found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos in several locations. To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many ways to perform a mesothelium biopsy that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as what part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In certain cases, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissues and reduce the size of the tumor. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is completed. It is therefore 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 Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
If mesothelioma is suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken from the pleural mesothelium to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and then removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for indications of malignant cells. Depending on the type, either chemotherapy or surgery may be suggested. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis and also reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also remove the chest of fluid, a process called thoracentesis and, in certain instances performing an operation called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions. In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow-up appointments as well as exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases they may recommend a lung transplant. Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk it is recommended that they stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their physician immediately when they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses have similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma can be a cancer but asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and could take a long time to develop. Mesothelioma prognosis varies based on several aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic types. In addition, the patient's age and gender can affect their mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better chance of survival than males. The latency period plays a crucial role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is extremely uncommon. This is especially so in the beginning stages when symptoms are milder and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is essential to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports and request an additional opinion. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are the symptom of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis resemble those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma has. A person with asbestosis may be suffering from symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one is unsure about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. |
