Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis Most important, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis isn't Mesothelioma can form in the linings of particular organs or tissues, for example the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity, as well as the lungs It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other conditions This is due to the lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma, is a tumor that can cause cancer It affects the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities inside the body It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, however it can also develop in other areas of the body, including the abdomen, stomach, and heart The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease There are many typical symptoms like chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties Anemia and fatigue are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above Asbestosis is usually the result of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres It is a slow-moving disease and because of its long duration of latency, the majority of people don't even realize they have it until decades after exposure Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma However, it can trigger a range of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos The major difference between the two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows within the mesothelium Asbestosis is not A patient with pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant, non-productive cough and chest wall pain Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and a change in the shape of their fingers known as clubbing Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen that a few pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life duration Asbestosis treatment is done in a less invasive manner Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and ease symptoms This is accomplished by removing the fluid from the chest through a procedure known as Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for asbestosis-related cases Palliative care is offered to mesothelioma sufferers, which focuses primarily on managing symptoms and improving quality of life Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause various symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue Unfortunately, these symptoms often are similar to other conditions and are difficult to identify until the disease is advanced Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract making it more difficult to breathe It can also affect the other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and changes in the shape of the finger and toe shape finger clubbing Both mesothelioma a cancerous condition and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure Asbestos is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibers The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases, however each has a distinct set of symptoms and a different time of latency 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 can be located in the lungs, abdomen and heart Mesothelioma is more likely to form when the patient was exposed to asbestos in multiple locations Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs https//vimeocom/704936049 can also perform a biopsy in order to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has There are many methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium that include bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location where mesothelioma has been found and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is located in The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure can be used to diagnose mesothelioma Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms In some cases surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this time, but patients may be offered palliative care to improve their quality of life Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have an increased risk of returning, even after treatment is completed It is therefore essential to have regular follow-up appointments A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to identify recurrences and track the progression of the disease Treatment Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen due to exposure to asbestos They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong survival for a long time Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which covers the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, however symptoms may resemble the symptoms of either Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air They cause irritation to the lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly If diagnosed with asbestosis, the doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history and physically examine the patient, such as listening to the lungs In certain instances the doctor may order chest X-rays and lung function tests If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of the pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen, withdrawing tiny amounts of fluid, and then checking it for evidence of malignant cells Based on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended Removal of asbestos-laden tissues known as pleurectomy or decortication can improve the quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications A doctor can also remove the fluid from the chest a procedure called thoracentesis and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis in order to ease breathing issues caused by asbestosis or other ailments In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow-up appointments as well as exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain cases, suggest the donation of a lung Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease To reduce their risk, they must stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccines They should also contact their doctor right away in the event of coughing, shortness of breath or fever Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung disease Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath However, mesothelioma is a cancer and asbestosis isn't Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to manifest The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a number of factors that include the stage, location and the type of cell Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic types The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patient's gender and age Younger patients and females tend to have better outcomes than men The time of latency is an important aspect in determining the prognosis of mesothelioma The longer someone is exposed to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop symptoms The typical latency time for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is extremely rare This is particularly so in the beginning stages when symptoms are more mild and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease and it is therefore essential for doctors to review pathology reports and request a second opinion from another lab Pleural effusions are a result of mesothelioma asbestosis and mesothelioma Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases, but they are not life-threatening The symptoms of asbestosis resemble those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lung COPD Asbestosis isn't a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does The person suffering from asbestosis could suffer from symptoms for a long time and may eventually require oxygen therapy If you or someone close to you is unsure about the signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate today We can assist you in finding the right doctor to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan