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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases are caused from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, on one being a cancer, is not. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of particular organs or tissues, like the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity and the lungs. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms resemble those of other diseases. This is due to the long time of latency for asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities inside the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but it can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the type and stage of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, including difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Anemia and fatigue are the most the most common signs of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis usually develops after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its long latency, most people are unaware of it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma because it doesn't spread. However, it can still cause lung and respiratory issues. Asbestos exposure is the root cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant tumour that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not. A person suffering from pleural cancer may experience a persistent cough that isn't productive, and chest pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have an accumulation of abdominal fluid known as anascites. pittsburgh asbestos attorneys are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less invasive manner. The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms. This involves removing the fluid from the chest using the procedure known as thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis patients can be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available for mesothelioma patients. It focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breathe cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms frequently mimic other conditions and are difficult to identify until the condition has advanced. Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract, making it harder to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals comprised of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both conditions, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around specific organs and cavities of the body. It is found on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form if the person was exposed to asbestos in multiple locations. Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to find visual abnormalities in the lung. They may also perform the biopsy to get a better idea of the kind of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of methods to take mesothelium for a biopsy that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on where mesothelioma has been found and what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The symptoms of the patient and their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma. Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain instances, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment is complete. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to determine recurrences, and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but the symptoms are often similar. Asbestosis is a less-common condition, which results from prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, which leads to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly. If asbestosis is diagnosed, a doctor will ask about the symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as taking a pulmonary exam. In some instances the doctor may order lung function tests and chest Xrays. If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium to test for laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and then removing some of the fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and lessen the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, and in some cases performing the surgical procedure called pleurodesis in order to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions. In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and, in certain cases, recommend a lung donation. People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. To reduce the risk of developing these diseases, they should stop smoking and be on the lookout for with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also call their physician immediately if they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma can be cancerous and asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable illnesses that can take years to be diagnosed. Mesothelioma prognosis varies based on several aspects, including the stage of the disease, the location of tumors, and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most prevalent type, has a better prognosis than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds. In addition, the patient's gender and age can influence their mesothelioma's prognosis. Patients of a younger age and gender tend to have better prognoses than males. The latency period also plays a major role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. Typically, the time of latency for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is extremely uncommon. This is particularly relevant in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are less severe and could 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 carefully look over pathology reports and ask for a second opinion from another lab. Pleural effusions can be caused by mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions are a symptom of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. Asbestosis sufferers may suffer from symptoms for a long time and may require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has questions about the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate now. We can help you find an expert doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.