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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of particular organs or tissues, like the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, also known 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 is most often diagnosed in the lungs, but it can also grow in other parts of the body, including the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and stage. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it's known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult an expert if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Asbestosis is typically caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving illness and due to its lengthy latency period, most people don't realize they have it until long after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as harmful as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However it can still cause lung and respiratory problems. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. The primary difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor that grows in the mesothelium, whereas asbestosis is not. A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that is not productive and chest pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have a buildup of fluid in the abdomen and abdomen, which is known as the ascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on prolonging the life time. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less invasive. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This involves taking the fluid out of the chest using the procedure known as thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause several symptoms, such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they often mimic other conditions. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can also affect other organs and cause abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous disease) and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are result of this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and a separate period of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium – a protective layer that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be located in the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos several times. To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visual abnormalities in the lungs. They can also conduct a biopsy to gain a better understanding of the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many methods to take mesothelium for a biopsy such as a bronchoscopy needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The kind of biopsy that is required will depend on where the mesothelioma is located and what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their exposure history can also be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to ease symptoms. In some instances, surgery may be used to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can get palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have a high risk of returning even after treatment has been completed. This is why it's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however symptoms can resemble those of either disease. Asbestosis, a less common condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They cause irritation to the lung tissue, leading to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more rapidly. If diagnosed with asbestosis the doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances, the doctor will order chest X-rays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest, abdomen or groin area, and then removing the small amount of fluid and then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy is possible. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also drain fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis and, in some instances it is possible to perform an operation called pleurodesis in order to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathing problems and other symptoms in addition treatments for pain relief. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases, recommend an organ transplant. Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases one should quit smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor 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 have similar symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and breath shortness. However, mesothelioma is cancerous while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of variables that include the stage, location and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than males. The latency period plays a major role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can range between 10 and fifty years after exposure. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is extremely uncommon. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the illness when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. It is essential to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and ask for an additional opinion. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which is known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both conditions however they are not life-threatening. Joliet asbestos lawsuit of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and is not a form of cancer. However, those suffering from asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is probable that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you love has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you locate a doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.