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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Both diseases are triggered by exposure to asbestos There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma on the other hand, is a cancer. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of certain organs or tissues, like the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions. This is due to the lengthy time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that covers certain organs and cavities within the body. It usually starts in the lungs, but it may also develop in other parts of the body, including the stomach, heart and 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. Anemia and fatigue are the most the most common signs of mesothelioma. Metastatic mesothelioma occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. It is essential to speak with a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed 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 long latency period, most people don't know they have it until long after exposure. Asbestosis does not have 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 cause of mesothelioma as much as asbestosis. The primary difference between these two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumor that grows within the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not. A person suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura may experience a persistent non-productive cough as well as chest wall pain. Some patients have difficulty swallowing, and their fingers may change shape. This is known as clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen, which some pleural mesothelioma sufferers experience. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan. However, the method of treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis treatment is focused on improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis, and using medications to manage the pain. Asbestosis sufferers can be treated for severe cases by lung transplants, however this is not an option for mesothelioma patients. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breathe as well as cough and fatigue. However, these symptoms frequently are similar to other conditions which makes them difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed. Asbestosis is a progressive lung condition that causes scarring to the lungs and respiratory system, makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect other organs, causing abdominal pain, swelling of fluids and changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals composed of micro-sized fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases, but each one has its own set of symptoms and a different time of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities of the body. It can be located on the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma can form more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos several times. To determine if mesothelioma is present, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to check for visual signs of abnormalities in the lungs. They can also perform an examination to determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient has. There are a variety of methods to take mesothelium samples, including a bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on where mesothelioma is situated and in what part of the lining of the pleura it is located in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history also influence how mesothelioma is diagnosed. Based on the type of cancer, a patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to treat symptoms. In certain cases surgery is a possibility to remove affected tissue and reduce tumor size. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of living. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both have the potential for repeating, even after treatment is completed. It is therefore essential to have regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can utilize this method to detect recurrences and track the progress of the disease. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the cause of both mesothelioma as well asbestosis. They are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma can be found in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, but symptoms can resemble those of either disease. Asbestosis is not a common disease that is caused by prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring that restricts breathing. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress faster. If diagnosed with asbestosis a doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and then physically examine the patient, which includes taking a pulmonary exam. In santa barbara asbestos attorneys might order chest X-rays and lung-function tests. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium for laboratory testing. 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 cell. Depending on the type of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy can be recommended. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients with severe asbestosis and decrease the degree of complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a procedure known as thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure called pleurodesis to ease breathing difficulties caused asbestosis or other conditions. In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can assist patients manage their breathing problems and other symptoms with regular follow-up appointments and exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in some cases recommend the donation of a lung. Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health issues like cancer and heart disease. To reduce these risks, they should stop smoking and keep up-to-date with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor right away if they experience fever, shortness or breath and cough. Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes both mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, persistent coughing and shortness of breathe. However, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are incurable illnesses that can take years to be diagnosed. Mesothelioma prognosis depends on many aspects, including the stage of the disease, the location of cancerous cells and the type of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most prevalent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. In addition, the patient's gender and age can impact his or her mesothelioma prognosis. Patients of a younger age and gender tend to have better prognoses than men. The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can vary between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Since mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult to recognize. This is particularly evident in the initial stages when symptoms are milder and may be misdiagnosed as other diseases. It is important to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports and request an opinion from a second source. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a symptom of the two diseases, but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung diseases, such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis isn't cancer and it does not cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma can. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and may eventually require oxygen therapy. Contact an advocate for patients or someone you know has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you locate a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.