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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos, there are several key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis 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 covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. This is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a long time of latency. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs but it can also grow in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. There are however some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are both common symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial 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 latency period, most people do not realize they have it until decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the potential to spread like mesothelioma. However it can trigger a range of other health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not. A person with mesothelioma of the pleura might experience a constant non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is referred to as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that a few pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on prolonging the life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life and relieving symptoms. This is accomplished by draining the fluid from the chest through a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available for mesothelioma patients. It is focused on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling fibres of asbestos can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear to be similar to other ailments, making them difficult to identify until the illness has progressed. Asbestosis is a recurring lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of 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 root cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and latency period. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium – the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be found on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos several times. To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are a variety of methods to take mesothelium samples that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location where the mesothelioma is located and the part of the lining of the pleura it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history will also influence how mesothelioma can be diagnosed. Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. Currently, no cure is available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatment to improve quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have an increased risk of recurrence even after the treatment has been completed. This is why it's essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and track the progression of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong survival for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a layer of lung tissue, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms can resemble those of either disease. Asbestosis is a rare condition, which results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking accelerates the progression of the condition. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In some cases the doctor might order chest X-rays or lung-function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium to test for laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen 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 mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended. Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis, as well as reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and, in certain cases, perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis to ease breathing problems due to asbestosis or other illnesses. In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in some cases recommend the donation of a lungs. People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk one should quit smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor right away when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and breath shortness. Mesothelioma, however is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and could take a long time to manifest. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a number of factors, including the stage, location and the type of cell. bethlehem asbestos attorney is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis compared to sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender may impact his or her mesothelioma's outlook. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better outcomes than males. The latency period also plays a major role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is extremely rare. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and can be mistaken for other conditions. It is crucial that doctors thoroughly examine pathology reports and request an opinion from a second source. Pleural effusions can be caused by mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases however they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and isn't a form of cancer. However, those suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she 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 an expert doctor to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan.