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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are some key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs and tissues, including the lung (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is sometimes difficult to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis because symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other conditions. This is because asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs, however it can also grow in other parts of the body, like the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and stage. There are a few typical symptoms like chest pain weight loss, persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Mesothelioma can also spread to other areas of the body. When it does, it is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis usually develops after years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its long duration of latency, many people are unaware of it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis isn't a condition that has the potential to spread like mesothelioma. However, it can cause a variety of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is the root cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The main difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor that develops in the mesothelium, while asbestosis does not. A person with pleural cancer might experience a chronic cough that is not productive, as well as chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is called clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and concentrate on extending life expectancy. Asbestosis treatment is done in a less intensive manner. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving the quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This is accomplished by removing the fluid from the chest using a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients can also receive palliative care, which is focused on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause various symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to identify because they can mimic other ailments. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory tract which makes it difficult to breathe. pennsylvania asbestos attorney can also affect the other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and a separate period of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops 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 in the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop if the person was exposed to asbestos in a variety of places. To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to look for visible signs of lung cancer. They may also take a biopsy to gain a better understanding of the type of mesothelioma the patient has. 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 the mesothelioma's location as well as the part of the mesothelium it is located in. The patient's symptoms and exposure history will also influence how mesothelioma is diagnosed. Depending on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In certain cases it is possible to use surgery 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 quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment is complete. This is why it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma specialist can use this to identify recurrences and track the progress of the disease. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma and as well asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, however the symptoms are similar. Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring, which can restrict breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the condition. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some cases, the doctor will order lung function tests and chest Xrays. If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen, withdrawing a small amount of fluid, and then examining it for signs of malignant cells. Depending on the type of mesothelioma being treated, surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested. Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can improve a patient's quality of life for patients suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of complications. A doctor may also drain fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis, and in some cases performing the surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to help alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions. In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can assist patients control their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in certain cases it is recommended to have an organ transplant. People with asbestos-related lung disease are at a high risk of developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To lower their risk, they must quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also call their doctor right away in the event of shortness of breath, fever and cough. Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, a lung condition. Both diseases have the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that could take years to be diagnosed. Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease and the location of the tumors and the type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common type, has a better prognosis compared to sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Also, a patient's age and gender may impact his or her mesothelioma prognosis. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than men. The latency period plays a crucial part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can be between 10 and fifty years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to diagnose. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease when symptoms are less severe and could be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble those of other types cancer and even lung disease It is crucial for doctors to examine pathology reports and request a second opinion from another laboratory. Pleural effusions can be caused by both 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 those of other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and does not cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma can. A person with asbestosis may suffer from symptoms for a long time and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you love have questions about mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can identify and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.