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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of particular organs or tissues, for example the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and the lungs. Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the lengthy latency period of asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities within the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but it can also develop in other parts of the body such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on its type and stage. There are many common symptoms, including chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing and breathing difficulties. Anemia and fatigue are both the most common signs of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a physician immediately. Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and due to its lengthy time of latency, many people do not recognize they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis does not have the potential to spread like mesothelioma, but it can cause a variety of health issues like lung issues and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is the root cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not. A person with pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that isn't productive, and chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have an accumulation of abdominal fluid known as ascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life duration. However, the method for treating asbestosis is less intensive. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as relieving symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest through the procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients also can receive palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger a number of symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine since they often resemble other conditions. Asbestosis, a progressive lung condition that causes scarring in the respiratory system and lungs, 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 disease) and asbestosis can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are result of this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and have a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around specific 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 several times. To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct the biopsy to get a better idea of the type of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as which part of the mesothelium it is located in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In certain instances, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. At present, there is no cure available for mesothelioma. However, patients can receive palliative treatment to improve quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have the potential for returning even after treatment has been completed. It is therefore important to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to identify recurrences and track the progress of the disease. Treatment As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for a long time. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer but the symptoms can be similar. Asbestosis is a less-common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that could restrict breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more rapidly. If asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, which includes listening to the lungs. In certain instances the doctor may order chest X-rays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the pleural mesothelium to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, removing a small amount fluid and then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis and, in certain instances it is possible to perform the surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.
Regular check-ups 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 therapy, and in some cases it is recommended to have a lung transplant. People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a high risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To reduce their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. They should also call their doctor immediately when they experience coughing, shortness of breath or fever. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to manifest. The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors, including the stage, location, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most frequent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. The prognosis of mesothelioma could be affected by a patient's gender and age. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better prognoses than males. The latency period is also an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the latency period 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 relevant in the initial stages of the disease when symptoms are not as severe and can be mistaken for other conditions. It is essential that pathologists thoroughly review reports, and then request an additional opinion. Pleural effusions are caused by mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases however they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are more like those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and isn't cancerous. Asbestosis sufferers may be suffering from symptoms and may require 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. |
