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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on one side, is a cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, including the lung (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other conditions. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. Symptoms Mesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It is a threat to the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities inside the body. It usually starts in the lungs, but it can also grow in other parts of the body, like the abdomen, stomach, and heart. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the type and stage. There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain and weight loss, constant coughing and difficulty breathing. Anemia and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis typically occurs after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long duration of latency, many people don't realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The main difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not. A person suffering from pleural tumors might experience a chronic cough that is not productive and chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers can change shape. This is called clubbing. Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which is called the ascites. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medications to ease pain. Patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care that concentrates on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently mimic other conditions which makes them difficult to identify until the condition has advanced. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both conditions, however each has a different set of symptoms and a distinct duration of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops within the mesothelium – the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times. To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect 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 a variety of methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium such as a bronchoscopy needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and the part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The symptoms of the patient and their history of exposure to radiation can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Depending on the type the patient is treated by radiation or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. In some cases surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma at the present moment, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment is complete. Therefore, it is essential to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and track the progress of the disease. Treatment As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatments can prolong the life of patients for a long time. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which is a layer of lung tissue, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer but the symptoms can be similar. iowa city asbestos attorneys is a less-common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop faster. If diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor will inquire about symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, including monitoring the lungs. In some instances the doctor might order chest Xrays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma has been suspected, a biopsy will be taken from the pleural mesothelium and tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, and removing the small amount of fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Based on the type of cancer, either chemotherapy or surgery is possible. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from asbestosis severe and lessen the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the chest cavity of fluid, a process called thoracentesis, and in some cases, perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. In addition to pain-relieving treatments, doctors can help patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments as well as exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, recommend the donation of a lungs. People suffering from lung diseases that result from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To reduce the risk of developing these diseases, they should quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and may take decades to manifest. Mesothelioma prognosis varies based on several factors, including the severity of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common type, has a better prognosis compared to biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Additionally, a patient's age and gender can affect their mesothelioma's outlook. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better odds than men. The latency period is also an important factor in determining mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the latency period for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It can be 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 may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to examine pathology reports and request a second opinion from another laboratory. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases, however they aren't life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung disorders, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma, and is not cancerous. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to suffer symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate now. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.