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Mesothelioma and AsbestosisThere are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on one being a cancer, is not.Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of certain organs or tissues, such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a long time of latency.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, however it can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, stomach, and heart.The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the stage and type of the disease. However, there are some common symptoms, including difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately.Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its long duration of latency, many people don’t realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis isn’t as hazardous as mesothelioma because it isn’t a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung problems and respiratory issues.Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The major difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium. asbestosis isn’t.A person with pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that isn’t productive and chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is called clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of abdominal fluid, which is called the ascites.Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less invasive. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving the quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to manage the pain. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.DiagnosisInhaling asbestos fibres can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they often mimic other conditions.Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring in the respiratory system and lungs which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect the other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they have different symptoms and a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium – the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities in the body. It is found in the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos in a variety of locations.Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to identify visual anomalies within the lung. They can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are several methods used to take mesothelium samples such as a bronchoscopy needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery.The type of biopsy required will depend on where mesothelioma is situated and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The patient’s symptoms and exposure history will also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.Depending on the type, a patient may be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In certain instances it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is elizabeth asbestos attorneys for mesothelioma at this time, but patients may receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after the treatment is complete. Therefore, it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to identify recurrences and track the progression of the disease.TreatmentAsbestos exposure is the reason of mesothelioma and as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but symptoms can resemble those of either disease.Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays or lung-function tests.If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen, withdrawing some of the fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery might be suggested.The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from asbestosis severe and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest by thoracentesis, a procedure and, in some instances, perform an operation known as pleurodesis to help ease 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 treatment and, in some cases suggest a lung donation.Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a high risk of developing health issues like heart disease and cancer. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases it is recommended that they stop smoking and be current on vaccinations for influenza as well as pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately if they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough.PrognosisInhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn’t. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed.The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of variables such as the stage, location and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid types. Also, a patient’s age and gender can affect their mesothelioma’s prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have a better prognosis than men.The time of latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater their chances of developing symptoms. Typically, the latency period for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.Because mesothelioma is so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is particularly true in the early stages, when symptoms are less severe and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types cancer and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to thoroughly review pathology reports and request a second opinion from another laboratory.Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs that is known as an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are an indication 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 does not spread like mesothelioma and is not cancerous. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you locate the right doctor to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan.