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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on one hand, is a cancer. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of certain organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and the lungs. Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs but it can also grow in other parts of the body, including the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and stage. However, there are some common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer spreads to other areas of your body. It is essential to speak with a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its long time of latency, many people do not realize 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 health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The primary difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that develops in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis does not. A person suffering from pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that isn't productive, as well as chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers may change shape. This is called clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that a few sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on extending the life time. However, the method of treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This includes removing the fluid from the chest through the procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care that concentrates on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to identify because they often mimic other ailments. Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they have different symptoms and a separate period of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium – the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities in the body. It is found in the abdomen, lungs and in the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to form when a person has been exposed to asbestos in a variety of locations. To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors usually order chest Xrays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also perform the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. There are many ways to take a mesothelium biopsy that include needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery. The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history will also play a role in how mesothelioma is diagnosed. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce 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. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis have an increased risk of recurrence, even after treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is how a mesothelioma specialist can identify any recurrences and track the progression of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but the symptoms are similar. Asbestosis is a rare disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more rapidly. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lung if asbestosis is detected. In some cases the doctor might order chest X-rays or lung-function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and removing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for evidence of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life in asbestos-related patients, as well as reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused asbestosis or other conditions. Regular check-ups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases it is recommended to have the possibility of a lung transplant. Downey asbestos attorney with asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. To reduce their risk, they must stop smoking and be on the lookout for with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. They should also consult their physician immediately when they experience shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms such as chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, whereas asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that could take years to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a number of factors, including the stage, location and type of cells. Epithelioid which is the most prevalent form, has a much better outlook than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and patients who are younger tend to have better outcomes than males. The length of time that a person is in latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos, the more likely he will develop symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can vary between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult to recognize. This is especially true in the early stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions. It is important to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and ask for an opinion from a second source. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both diseases however they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and isn't a form of cancer. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is likely 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, get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can assist you in finding a doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.