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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on the other being a cancer, is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of certain organs and tissues, like the lung (pleura) or the membrane that protects the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases. Signs and 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 typically begins in the lungs but can also occur in other areas of the body such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. There are a few common symptoms, including chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. Fatigue and anemia are common symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it's known as metastatic mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, due to its long latency period, most people don't even know they have it until long after their exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However iowa city asbestos lawyer can trigger a range of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is the root cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. asbestosis isn't. A person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that some patients with pleural mesothelioma experience. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending life expectancy. However, the method of treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis. It also involves using medication to treat the pain. Patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose since they often resemble other ailments. Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory system and makes it difficult 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). Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals comprised of micro-sized fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they exhibit different symptoms and a separate latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities within the body. It is found in the lungs, abdomen and in the heart. Mesothelioma can develop more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos several times. To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They may also perform a biopsy to get a better idea of what type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are several methods used to take mesothelium samples that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as what part of the mesothelium that it is located in. The patient's symptoms and their exposure history can also be used to identify mesothelioma. Depending on the type, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In certain cases, surgery may be used to remove affected tissue and reduce tumor size. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However patients can get palliative treatments to improve quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma have an increased risk of recurrence even after the treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to schedule regular follow-up visits. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment As with asbestosis, both mesothelioma and asbestosis develop as a result of exposure to asbestos. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs 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 irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that can restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation can increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking makes the condition progress more quickly. If diagnosed with asbestosis a doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In some cases, a doctor may order chest Xrays and lung function tests. If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium to test for laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and then removing a small amount of fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells. Depending 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 improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the degree 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 by asbestosis or other ailments. Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms, in addition to treatments for pain relief. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases, recommend an organ transplant. People with asbestos-related lung disease are at risk of developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To reduce these risks one should quit smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor right away if they develop coughing, shortness of breath or fever. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath. But mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, and asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that can take years to develop. Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease, the location of tumors, and the kind of cells. Epithelioid which is the most prevalent type, has a better outlook than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by the patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than males. The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the initial stages, when symptoms are less severe and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is crucial that pathologists thoroughly review reports, and then request a second opinion. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a sign of both diseases, but are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis doesn't spread like mesothelioma and isn't cancerous. However, a person with asbestosis will continue to experience symptoms and it is likely that they will eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has questions about the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate today. We can help you locate the right doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.