Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, including those that cover the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. This is due to the long time of latency for
asbestos-related diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It usually starts in the lungs, but it may also develop in other areas of the body, including the stomach, heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the type and stage of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is essential to speak with an expert if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Asbestosis usually develops after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long latency, most people don't realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma, but it can cause a variety of other health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The main difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.
A person with pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that isn't 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 a buildup of abdominal fluid, which is called the ascites.
Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest using a procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative treatment, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of their lives.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to determine because they often mimic other conditions.
Asbestosis, a progressive lung condition that causes scarring to the respiratory system and lungs which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the root cause of both diseases, however each has a different set of symptoms and duration of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium, the protective layer that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It is found in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos in a variety of places.
Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to find 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 several methods used to take a biopsy of the mesothelium, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery.
The type of biopsy required will depend on where mesothelioma has been found and in what part of the pleura's lining it is in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history will also influence how mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of cancer of cancer, patients can be treated by radiation or chemotherapy to treat symptoms. In some instances, surgery may be used to remove affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment has been completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to those of either disease.
Asbestosis is not a common condition that results from long-term exposure to airborne
asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. If asbestosis is diagnosed, a doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances doctors may recommend chest Xrays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be taken from the mesothelium of the pleural region to be examined in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, removing some fluid, then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible.
The removal of
asbestos legal-laden tissue (also called pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis and, in certain instances it is possible to perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help patients deal with breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments as well as pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant.
People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. To reduce the risk of developing these diseases, they should quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.
Prognosis
Inhalation of
asbestos compensation fibres could cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. But mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not.