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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are triggered by exposure to asbestos There are a few key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, on the other being a cancer, is not. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of certain organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and the lungs. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis because symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities in the body. It typically begins in the lungs, but it can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the stomach, heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary based on the type and stage. However, there are some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. West Jordan asbestos lawsuits and fatigue are both typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a physician 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 don't realize they have it for years after exposure. Asbestosis is not as dangerous as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However it can still cause respiratory problems and lung issues. Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium. asbestosis is not. A person with pleural mesothelioma may experience a persistent non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen that a few sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on increasing the life time. Asbestosis is treated in less invasive manner. Asbestosis is treated to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This includes draining the fluid from the chest via a procedure called Thorcentesis and utilizing pain medications. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, but this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available for mesothelioma patients. It is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause various symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms tend to appear to be similar to other ailments which makes them difficult to diagnose until the illness has progressed. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring to the lungs and respiratory system and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, but they have different symptoms and have a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found within the mesothelium – an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It is located on the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to form if the person was exposed to asbestos in a variety of places. Doctors may order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities within the lungs. They may also take a biopsy to gain a better understanding of the type of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of methods to take a biopsy of the mesothelium, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or video-assisted Thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy required will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and the part of the mesothelium it is situated in. The patient's symptoms and their history of exposure can be used to identify mesothelioma. Depending on the type the patient is treated with chemotherapy or radiation to relieve symptoms. In some instances surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissues and shrink the size of tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment has been completed. This is why it is essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where a mesothelioma specialist can identify any recurrences and track the progression of the disease. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell asbestosis. Although they are incurable, treatment options may prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but the symptoms can be similar. Asbestosis, a less common condition, is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can make breathing difficult. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lung if asbestosis is detected. In some instances, the doctor will order lung function tests and chest Xrays. If mesothelioma has been suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken from the pleural mesothelium to be tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the chest, abdomen or groin, removing the small amount of fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of mesothelioma, chemotherapy or surgery might be suggested. Removal of asbestos-laden tissues (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life for patients with severe asbestosis and also reduce the degree of complications. A doctor can also remove fluid from the chest, a process called thoracentesis and, in certain instances performing an operation known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other conditions. Regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help patients deal with breathing difficulties and other symptoms in addition pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in certain cases it is recommended to have a lung transplant. Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a higher risk of developing other health problems like cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases it is recommended that they stop smoking and be current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor immediately when they experience shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest pain as well as persistent coughing and breath shortness. Mesothelioma, however is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and could take a long time to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of factors such as the stage, location and the type of cell. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common type has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid and biphasic kinds. In addition, the patient's age and gender can influence their mesothelioma's prognosis. Patients of a younger age and gender tend to have better odds than males. The latency time period also plays a significant role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can vary between 10 and fifty years after exposure. Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to diagnose. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease, so it is important for doctors to carefully examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab. Pleural effusions are a result of both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions may be an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung conditions like chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis does not spread like mesothelioma and isn't a form of cancer. However, someone suffering from asbestosis will experience symptoms and it is likely that he or she will eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients if you or someone you love has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you find an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan.