A Glimpse In The Secrets Of Mesothelioma And Asbestosis

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis isn't.

Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of certain organs and tissues, like the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs but may also manifest in other parts of the body like the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the type and stage. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and due to its lengthy latency period, most people don't even realize 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 respiratory problems and lung issues.

Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not.

A person suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura may experience a persistent, non-productive cough and chest wall pain.  Alexandria asbestos lawsuit  swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers which is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of abdominal fluid and abdomen, which is known as ascites.

Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and ease 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 in the case of severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative care that concentrates on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of their lives.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently appear to be similar to other ailments which makes them difficult to diagnose until the condition has advanced.

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, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing).

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both conditions, however each has a different set of symptoms and a different duration of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops within the mesothelium - a protective layer that surrounds specific organs and cavities inside the body. It is located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily if a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times.

To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also perform the biopsy to gain a better understanding of the kind of mesothelioma a patient has. 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 where the mesothelioma is located and the part of the lining of the pleura it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure to radiation can be used to identify mesothelioma.

Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In certain instances, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at this moment, however patients can be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is where mesothelioma specialists can detect recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease.

Treatment

Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however the symptoms are similar.

Asbestosis, a less well-known condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking can accelerate the progression of the condition. If asbestosis is diagnosed, the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, including taking a pulmonary exam. In some cases doctors may recommend chest Xrays and lung function tests.

If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be taken from the pleural mesothelium and examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and removing tiny amounts of fluid, and then examining it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type, either chemotherapy or surgery can be recommended.

The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called pleurectomy or decortication) 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 instances performing a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.

In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have a lung transplant.

People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk, they should stop smoking and stay current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their physician immediately in the event of fever, shortness or breath and cough.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma can be cancerous while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed.

Mesothelioma prognosis varies based on several factors, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors, and the kind of cells. Epithelioid which is the most prevalent type, has a better prognosis compared to biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. 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 is also an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can range between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is so rare. This is particularly so in the beginning stages, when symptoms are less severe and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different lab.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a sign of both diseases but they are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis is not a cancer and does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma does. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is possible that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has questions about the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you find a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.