Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
While both diseases are caused by
asbestos legal exposure, there are several important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis is not.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long time of latency for
asbestos-related diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs, but it can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the type and stage of the disease. There are several common symptoms such as chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. People with mesothelioma often suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately.
Asbestosis is typically caused by years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving illness and, due to its long time of latency, many people do not recognize they have it until long after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However, it can cause a variety of other health issues, such as lung problems and respiratory distress.
asbestos lawyer exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not.
A person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might experience a constant non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that a few pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.
Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on increasing the life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive way. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This is accomplished by taking the fluid out of the chest via a procedure called thoracentesis and using pain medications. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care that focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to determine since they often resemble other conditions.
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 other organs, causing abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing).
Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibers. The exposure to
asbestos litigation is the root cause of both diseases, but each has a distinct set of symptoms and time of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found within the mesothelium, an outer layer of protection that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It is located in the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos several times.
Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs. They can also conduct the biopsy to get a better idea of what type of mesothelioma that patient. There are many methods to perform a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery.
The type of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and which part of the mesothelium that it is situated in. Symptoms and the patient's exposure history also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Based on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms. In certain instances, surgery can be used to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. At present, there is no cure available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is completed. This is why it's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can spot any recurrences and track the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the reason of mesothelioma aswell as asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong the lifespan for years. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, but symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of either.
Asbestosis is a less-common condition that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that can impede breathing. Inhaling
asbestos compensation can also increase the risk of lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. If asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors will inquire about symptoms and medical history. They will also physically examine the patient, such as listening to the lungs. In some cases the doctor might order chest Xrays and lung function tests.
If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the pleural mesothelium to be evaluated in a lab. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin area, and then removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type treatment, either surgery or chemotherapy can be recommended.
The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor can also remove the chest of fluid, a process called thoracentesis, and in some cases it is possible to perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis and other diseases.
In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients manage their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases suggest a lung donation.
People suffering from asbestos-related lung disease are at high risk for developing other health problems including cancer and heart disease. To lower the risk of developing these diseases, they should stop smoking and stay up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. They should also contact their doctor right away if they develop shortness of breath, coughing or fever.
Prognosis
The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however, is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't.