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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos There are some key differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Most important, mesothelioma is a cancer while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of specific organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. This is due to the fact that asbestos-related diseases have a lengthy latency. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities within the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also occur in other parts of the body like the stomach the heart, stomach, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. There are however some common symptoms, such as difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually experience fatigue and anemia as well. Mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body, and when it does, it is called metastatic mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a physician immediately. Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, because of its long latency, most people do not realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However it can cause lung problems and respiratory problems. Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis is not. A person suffering from pleural tumors can experience a constant cough that is not productive and chest pain. Patients may have difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may also have the formation of fluid in the abdomen known as the ascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on increasing the life time. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This is accomplished by draining the fluid from the chest via a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative care that focuses on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of their lives. Diagnosis Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they often mimic other conditions. Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs making it more difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure but they have different symptoms and a separate latency period. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type 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, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos in several places. Doctors order chest X rays and CT scans to find visual abnormalities in the lung. They may also take a biopsy to gain a better understanding of what type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are several methods used to take mesothelium samples, including a 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 that it is located in. The symptoms of the patient as well as their history of exposure to radiation can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However, patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry the highest risk of recurrence, even after treatment is complete. This is why it's important to receive regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer but the symptoms can be similar. Asbestosis, a less common condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They can cause irritation to lung tissue, leading to scarring that impedes breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more quickly. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some cases, a doctor may order chest X-rays or lung-function tests. If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium to test for laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the chest, abdomen or groin area, and then removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Based on the type of mesothelioma, surgery or chemotherapy could be recommended. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (known as pleurectomy or decortication) can enhance a patient's quality of life in patients suffering from severe asbestosis and reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor may also drain the chest cavity of fluid, a process called thoracentesis and, in some instances, perform an operation known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing problems 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 and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain instances, recommend the donation of a lung. Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. To lower their risk, they should quit smoking and keep up with their pneumonia and influenza vaccines. They should also call their physician immediately if they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, which is a lung disease. Both diseases share the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, chronic coughing, and shortness of breathe. But mesothelioma is cancerous while asbestosis is not. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that can take years to be diagnosed. Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the kind of cells. Epithelioid is the most frequent form, has a much better chance of survival than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by the patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better prognoses than men. The latency period also plays a significant role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos the greater their chances of developing symptoms. The mesothelioma latency time can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Since mesothelioma can be so rare, it is often difficult to identify. This is especially evident in the initial stages when symptoms are more mild and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to the cells of other types of lung disease and cancer and it is therefore essential for doctors to examine pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different laboratory. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which is known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both conditions but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are more similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma does. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact santa rosa asbestos attorneys if you or someone you love has questions regarding mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms. We can help you locate an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.