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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of particular organs or tissues, such as the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis because symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually starts in the lungs but it can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the stage and type of the disease. There are a few typical symptoms like chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. 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 disease and, because of its long latency, most people are unaware of it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The major difference between the two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not. A person with pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is called clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have a buildup of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as the ascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life time. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving the quality of life and relieving symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medications to manage the pain. Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants in the case of severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to determine since they often resemble other conditions. Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs making it more 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 are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different duration of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities within the body. It is found on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if a person has been exposed to asbestos several times. Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities 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 a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location and what part of the mesothelium it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure to radiation can be used to identify mesothelioma. Based on Warwick asbestos lawyers of cancer the patient is treated by radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. At present, there is no cure 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 the treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this method to detect recurrences and track the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but the symptoms are often similar. Asbestosis, a less well-known condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring that can make breathing difficult. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. If diagnosed with asbestosis, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, which includes monitoring the lungs. In some instances the doctor might 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 abdomen, chest or groin, removing some fluid, then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type, either chemotherapy or surgery may be suggested. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in some instances it is possible to perform the surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. In addition to pain-relieving therapies, doctors can help patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in certain instances, suggest the donation of a lung. People with asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health issues including cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases, they should stop smoking and be current on vaccinations for influenza as well as pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor right away when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant 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 can take years to manifest. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of factors such as the stage, location and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic varieties. Also, a patient's age and gender may affect their mesothelioma's prognosis. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better outcomes than men. The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. Typically, the latency period for mesothelioma varies between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that it is so uncommon. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are more mild and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types lung cancer, and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another laboratory. Pleural effusions are caused by mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and it does not cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma has. A person with asbestosis may be suffering from symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate today. We can help you locate an expert doctor to receive an assessment and a treatment plan.