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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few important distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of certain organs or tissues, such as 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 lengthy time of latency for asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities inside the body. It is most often diagnosed in the lungs, but it can also grow in other areas of the body, like the stomach, the heart and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. However, there are some typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from fatigue and anemia as well. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Asbestosis is usually the result of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving condition and, because of its lengthy latency, many people do not realize they have it for a long time after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However it can cause a variety of health issues, like lung issues and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is a cause of both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The primary difference between the two diseases is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium, while asbestosis does not. A patient with mesothelioma of the pleura might experience a constant, non-productive cough and chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. This can be accomplished by draining fluid from the chest, a process known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to manage the pain. Asbestosis patients can be treated for serious cases using lung transplants, however this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care is available to mesothelioma patients, and focuses primarily on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause several symptoms, like a shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms are difficult to determine because they often mimic other ailments. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs and respiratory system, makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs which can cause abdominal pain, fluid buildup and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Both mesothelioma (a cancerous condition) and asbestosis are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they exhibit different symptoms and have a distinct latency period. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium which is a protective layer around specific organs and cavities of the body. It is found in the abdomen, lungs and in the heart. Mesothelioma can form more easily in those who have been exposed to asbestos numerous times. Doctors may order chest X-rays and CT scans to identify visual anomalies within the lungs. They may also take a biopsy to gain a better understanding of what type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are many methods to perform a mesothelium biopsy such as a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. The kind of biopsy needed will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and what part of the mesothelium that it is located in. Youngstown asbestos attorney and exposure history will also play a role in how mesothelioma can be diagnosed. Based on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In some cases it is possible to use surgery to remove the affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, however patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have a high recurrence risk, even after treatment is complete. It is therefore essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. This is where mesothelioma specialists can spot any recurrences and track the progression of the disease. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma aswell as asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the mesothelium which is a layer of lung tissue as well as the chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer, however the symptoms can be similar. Asbestosis is a rare condition that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of developing lung infections. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to their lungs when asbestosis is identified. In certain instances the doctor may recommend lung-function tests and chest X-rays. If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and removing some of the fluid, and then examining it for indications of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested. The removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients with severe asbestosis and lessen the degree of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure called thoracentesis) and in certain instances perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis in order to ease breathing issues due to asbestosis or other illnesses. In addition to pain-relieving treatments doctors can also help 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 cases, recommend the donation of a lung. Lung disease caused by asbestos are at risk of developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To decrease the risk of developing these diseases one should quit smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also call their doctor immediately if they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, as well as a lung condition called asbestosis. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including chest pain chronic cough and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, however is a cancer whereas asbestosis isn't. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are incurable diseases that can take years to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables that include the stage, location and type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most frequent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. The prognosis of mesothelioma could be affected by a patient's gender and age. Younger patients and females tend to have a better prognosis than males. The time of latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos in the future, the more likely or she is to develop symptoms. Typically, the latency period for mesothelioma is between 10 and 50 years after exposure. It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that it is so uncommon. This is particularly true in the early stages of the illness when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be similar to those of other types of lung cancer, and even lung disease, so it is important for doctors to review pathology reports and request an additional opinion from a different lab. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can be an indication of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are like those of other lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and doesn't spread throughout the body like mesothelioma has. Asbestosis sufferers may continue to have symptoms and may eventually require oxygen therapy. If you or a loved one has questions about the symptoms of asbestosis or mesothelioma, contact a patient advocate now. We can help you find a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.