Mesothelioma and AsbestosisThere are some key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on one side, is a cancer.Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of particular organs or tissues, such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs.Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma, is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities inside the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but it can also develop in other parts of the body like the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen.The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. There are however some common symptoms, including difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is 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 lengthy latency period, most people don't know they have it until years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma, since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can still cause lung and respiratory issues.Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The primary difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural can experience a chronic, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, and their fingers may change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Some pleural mesothelioma patients also have the formation of fluid in the abdomen, which is called ascites.Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. This includes draining fluid from the chest, which is called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease the pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative care that focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives.DiagnosisInhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they often mimic other conditions.Asbestosis, a progressive lung condition that causes scarring of the respiratory system and lungs which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing).Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both conditions, however each one has its own set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - a protective layer that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times.Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs. They may also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are many methods to take a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The symptoms of the patient and their exposure history can also be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.Depending on the type, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove affected tissue and shrink the size of tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, but patients may receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestos is have a high recurrence risk, even after treatment has been completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this method to detect recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease.TreatmentBoth mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either.Asbestosis, which is a less frequent 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. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some instances, a doctor may order chest X-rays and lung-function tests.If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin area, and then removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested.Surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest by thoracentesis, a procedure and, in certain instances it is possible to perform the surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms, in addition to pain relief therapies. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in certain cases it is recommended to have a lung transplant.People with asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems including cancer and heart disease. To reduce their risk, they must stop smoking and stay up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also call their doctor right away if they develop coughing, shortness of breath or fever.PrognosisInhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma 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 for mesothelioma is based on a number of factors such as the stage, location, and the type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a much better outlook than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by the patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better outcomes than males.The latency period also plays a significant role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure.Because mesothelioma is so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is especially evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma cells can resemble the cells of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to carefully review pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different laboratory.Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both diseases but they are not life-threatening.The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and is not a cancerous form. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.