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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of certain organs and tissues, including the lung (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis because symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a lengthy latency. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities in the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also develop in other parts of the body like the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the type and stage of the disease. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long time of latency, many people do not know they have it until decades after their exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of other health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis is not. A person suffering from pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending the life expectancy of patients. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive way. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest using a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients also can receive palliative treatment, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Inhaling fibres of asbestos can trigger a variety of symptoms, like shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to identify since they often resemble other conditions. Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring to the respiratory system and lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and changes in the shape of the finger and toe shape (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they exhibit different symptoms and have a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when the patient was exposed to asbestos in multiple places. To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are a variety of methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on where mesothelioma has been found and in what part of the pleura's lining it is in. escondido asbestos lawsuit and the patient's exposure background will also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed. Based on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances 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. However, patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment is completed. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms may resemble those of either disease. Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They cause irritation to the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the condition. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to their lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In certain instances the doctor may order chest X-rays and 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 an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, removing a small amount fluid and then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, and in some cases performing an operation called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other conditions. In addition to pain-relieving therapies, doctors can help patients manage their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases they may recommend an organ transplant. People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk of developing these diseases, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also call their physician immediately in the event of shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. But mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables such as the stage, location, and type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and patients who are younger tend to have better outcomes than males. The latency period is also an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can range between 10 and fifty years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is so rare, it is often difficult to identify. This is especially so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and can be misdiagnosed as a different condition. It is essential to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and then request an additional opinion. Pleural effusions are a result of both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both diseases however they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung disorders like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma can. However, those suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is possible that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can help you find a doctor to get an assessment and a treatment plan.