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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a long latency period. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities inside the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also develop in other parts of the body like the stomach and the heart, as well as the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving illness and, because of its long duration of latency, many people are unaware of it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the potential to spread like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues such as lung problems and respiratory distress. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The main difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not. A person with mesothelioma pleural may experience a persistent, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending the life expectancy of patients. However, the method for treating asbestosis is less invasive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and ease symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest through a procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose since they often resemble other ailments. Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs, making it harder 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). Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals made of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, but each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different latency period. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found within the mesothelium – the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities in the body. It is found on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when the patient was exposed to asbestos in a variety of locations. Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans in order to identify visual anomalies within the lung. They may also perform an in-person biopsy to gain a better understanding of the type of mesothelioma a patient has. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on where mesothelioma is situated and in what part of the pleura's lining it is in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history also affect how mesothelioma is diagnosed. Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In certain cases, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have a high recurrence risk, even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. They are incurable, but treatments can prolong the life of patients for a long time. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either. Asbestosis, a less well-known condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They cause irritation to the lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress faster. If diagnosed with asbestosis, doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, such as listening to the lungs. In some instances the doctor may order chest X-rays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the severity of the complications. A doctor may also drain fluid from the chest by thoracentesis, a procedure, and in some cases, perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases. Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients manage breathing difficulties and other symptoms, in addition to treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some instances they may recommend an organ transplant. Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health issues including heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they must quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also contact their doctor right away if they experience breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both illnesses have similar symptoms, including chest pain, persistent cough and breathlessness. 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 variety of factors such as the stage, location and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by the patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than males. The latency period plays a significant part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos in the future, the more likely will develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is so rare. This is especially so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and could be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells can resemble the cells of other types of cancer and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to carefully examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab. Pleural effusions can be caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung conditions, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and isn't a form of cancer. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If baton rouge asbestos law firm or a loved one is unsure about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can help you find an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.