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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Both diseases are caused by asbestos exposure, there are several important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, on the other side, is a cancer.

Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of certain organs and tissues, such as the lung (pleura) or the membrane that is found in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other diseases. This is because asbestos-related illnesses have a lengthy latency.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma is a tumor that can cause cancer. It affects the tissue surrounding organs and cavities inside the body. It usually begins in the lungs, but can also develop in other areas of the body such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen.

The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, including difficulties breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss and chest pains. People with mesothelioma often suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is crucial to consult an expert if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Asbestosis is usually the result of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and because of its long time of latency, many people do not know they have it until years after exposure. Asbestosis isn't as hazardous as mesothelioma because it does not spread. However, it can still cause lung and respiratory problems.

asbestos claim (http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/userinfo.php?uid=1944446) exposure is a cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The main difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma which is a malignant cancer that develops within the mesothelium. Asbestosis, however, is not.

A person suffering from pleural tumors might experience a chronic cough that is not productive, as well as chest pain. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, and their fingers may change shape. This is called clubbing. Ascites is a clogging of fluid in the abdomen, which some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience.

Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive, and focuses on extending the life expectancy. Asbestosis is treated in less intensive manner. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving the quality of life and relieving symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest through a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Mesothelioma patients are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative treatment, which concentrates on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.

Diagnosis

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause many symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often are similar to other conditions which makes them 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 other organs and cause abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing).

Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are caused by this exposure, however, they have distinct symptoms and have a distinct period of latency. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, develops inside the mesothelium - an outer layer of protection that surrounds specific organs and cavities in the body. It can be found on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos multiple times.

Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to find visual abnormalities in the lung. They can also conduct the procedure of a biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are several methods used 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 where mesothelioma has been found and what part of the lining of the pleura it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure background will also affect how mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Based on the type of cancer the patient is treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma. However, patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis have an increased risk of returning even after treatment has been completed. Therefore, it is essential to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to identify recurrences and track the progression 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, a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium, which is a layer of lung tissue, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but symptoms may resemble those of either disease.

Asbestosis, which is a less frequent condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. They irritate lung tissue and cause scarring that can restrict breathing. Inhalation of asbestos also increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking increases the risk of the disease. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some instances the doctor may order lung function tests and chest Xrays.

If mesothelioma is suspected the biopsy procedure will be taken of the pleural mesothelium and tested in a laboratory. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, and removing some fluid, then examining that fluid 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 enhance a patient's quality of life in patients with severe asbestosis and reduce the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure referred to as pleurodesis in order to ease breathing issues caused asbestosis or other conditions.

In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can also help patients manage their breathlessness and other symptoms by arranging regular follow up appointments and exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They may also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some cases they may recommend a lung transplant.

Lung disease caused by asbestos are at high risk for developing other health problems including heart disease and cancer. To reduce these risks, they should stop smoking and be current with vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor right away when they experience coughing, shortness of breath or fever.

Prognosis

Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases have the same symptoms, like chest discomfort, constant coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable diseases that could take years to be diagnosed.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors that include the stage, location and type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most prevalent type, has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid and biphasic varieties. The prognosis of mesothelioma could be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better prognoses than males.

The latency time period also plays a major role in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer someone is exposed to asbestos settlement the greater the chance of developing symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can be between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and can be misdiagnosed as a different condition. It is essential to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and then request an additional opinion.

Pleural effusions are a result of both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases but they are not life-threatening.

The symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and it does not spread throughout the body like mesothelioma has. Asbestosis sufferers may be suffering from symptoms and may require oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate now. We can help you find a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.