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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be a cancer while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of specific organs or tissues, such as the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a lengthy latency. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs, however it may also develop in other areas of the body, including the stomach, the heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on the type and stage. There are however some common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. lakeland asbestos law firm occurs when the cancer spreads to other areas of your body. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Asbestosis typically occurs after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its lengthy latency, many people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can trigger a range of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is the root cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant tumor that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not. A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that is not productive, and chest pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of fluid in the abdomen, which is called anascites. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. However, the method for treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This includes draining the fluid from the chest via the procedure known as Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants for asbestosis-related cases. Mesothelioma patients also can receive palliative care that concentrates on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are difficult to identify because they can mimic other ailments. 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, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and a separate time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium which is a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities within the body. It can be located in the lungs, abdomen and heart. Mesothelioma can develop more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos multiple times. Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans to find visual abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are many methods to conduct a mesothelium biopsies, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and which part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The symptoms of the patient and their exposure history can also be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to ease symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the 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. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry the potential for repeating, even after treatment is completed. This is why it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can spot the recurrence of the disease and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for decades. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but symptoms may resemble those of either disease. Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more rapidly. If diagnosed with asbestosis, a doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, such as listening to the lungs. In some instances the doctor may order lung function tests and chest Xrays. If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the mesothelium of the pleural region to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin area, and then removing the small amount of fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Based on the type of cancer treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe asbestosis and decrease the degree of complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in certain instances, perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions. Regular check-ups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathing problems and other symptoms in addition to pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases, recommend an organ transplant. People with asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also contact their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as chest pain chronic cough and breathlessness. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables, including the stage, location, and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most prevalent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. Additionally, a patient's age and gender may affect their mesothelioma's prognosis. Females and patients who are younger tend to have better outcomes than males. The latency period plays a crucial role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is so rare it is often difficult to identify. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the disease when symptoms are not as severe and can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types cancer and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to carefully examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different laboratory. Pleural effusions are caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you love have questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can assist you in finding an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.