Mesothelioma and AsbestosisWhile both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure There are some important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, on one being a cancer, is not.Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs and tissues, including those that cover the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is due to the lengthy latency period of asbestos-related diseases.SymptomsMesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma, is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs, but it can also grow in other parts of the body, like the stomach, heart and abdomen.The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and stage of the disease. There are however some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. People with mesothelioma often suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer spreads to other areas of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately.Asbestosis typically occurs after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long duration of latency, the majority of people do not know they have it until long after their exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma since it isn't a cancerous condition. However it can cause lung and respiratory problems.Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis isn't.A person suffering from pleural tumors may experience a persistent cough that isn't productive, and chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that a few pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in a less intensive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis. It also involves using medication to treat the pain. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.DiagnosisInhaling asbestos fibres can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose since they often resemble other conditions.Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals made of tiny fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, but each has a different set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be located in the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos several times.To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visible signs of lung cancer. They can also conduct a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are many methods to perform a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery.The type of biopsy required will depend on the mesothelioma's location and which part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure to radiation can be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.Depending on the type of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In certain instances it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this time, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have an increased risk of repeating, even after treatment is completed. It is therefore important to have regular follow-up appointments. This is where mesothelioma specialists can spot any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.TreatmentAsbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell as asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which is a layer of lung tissue as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms may resemble those of either disease.Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that can make breathing difficult. Asbestos inhalation increases the chance of lung infection. Smoking can cause the condition to develop faster. If diagnosed with asbestosis, doctors will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances doctors may recommend chest X-rays or lung-function tests.If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the mesothelium of the pleural region to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen, withdrawing some of the fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended.Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis and also reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also take the fluid out of the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments.Regular check-ups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, recommend the donation of a lung.People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they must stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also call their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.PrognosisInhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. But mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, and asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that could take years to manifest.Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the stage of the disease, the location of cancerous cells and the type of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis compared to biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender may affect their mesothelioma's prognosis. Patients of a younger age and gender tend to have better odds than men.The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure.It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is extremely uncommon. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions. It is essential that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports, and ask for an additional opinion.Pleural effusions can be caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. asbestos and mesothelioma can be an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening.The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and doesn't spread throughout the body like mesothelioma has. However, those suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you love have questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you locate an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.