chinabeaver2
User Name: You need to be a registered (and logged in) user to view username.
Total Articles : 0
Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key distinctions between mesothelioma and asbestosis despite the fact that both diseases result from asbestos exposure Most importantly mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer while asbestosis is not Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of particular organs or tissues such as the membranes that surround the abdominal cavity as well as the lungs It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since symptoms resemble those of other conditions This is because asbestosrelated diseases have a lengthy latency Symptoms Mesothelioma also known as mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that affects the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities within the body santa monica asbestos law firm begins in the lungs but can also develop in other parts of the body such as the stomach the heart stomach and the abdomen The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and stage There are a few common symptoms such as chest pain weight loss persistent coughing and difficulty breathing Anemia and fatigue are the most the most common signs of mesothelioma Metastatic mesothelioma is when the cancer spreads to other areas of your body It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above Asbestosis is usually caused by years of exposure to asbestos dust and fibres It is a slowmoving illness and because of its lengthy latency many people are unaware of it for a long time after exposure Asbestosis isnt as hazardous as mesothelioma since it doesnt spread However it can still cause lung and respiratory problems Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure The major difference between the two conditions is mesothelioma which is a malignant tumour that grows in the mesothelium Asbestosis is not A person suffering from pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that isnt productive and chest pain Some patients have difficulty swallowing and their fingers can change shape This is known as clubbing Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma have an accumulation of abdominal fluid known as the ascites Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on prolonging the lifespan However the method of treating asbestosis is less intensive The focus of treatment for asbestosis is improving quality of life as well as alleviating symptoms This includes draining fluid from the chest a procedure called thoracentesis and using medication to treat the pain Patients with mesothelioma cannot receive lung transplants in the case of severe asbestosis cases Palliative treatment is available for mesothelioma patients It is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause a variety of symptoms like a shortness of breath cough fatigue and shortness of breath These symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they can mimic other ailments Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of the respiratory tract and lungs which makes it difficult to breathe It can also affect other organs causing 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 asbestos exposure Asbestos is a class of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers The exposure to asbestos is the cause of both diseases however each one has its own set of symptoms and a different latency period Mesothelioma which is a rare type of cancer develops within the mesothelium the protective layer that covers specific organs and cavities inside the body It is located in the lungs abdomen and heart Mesothelioma is more likely to form if the person was exposed to asbestos in multiple places To diagnose mesothelioma doctors typically order chest Xrays and CT scans to detect visual abnormalities in the lungs They can also conduct a biopsy to get a better idea of the kind of mesothelioma that patient There are a variety of ways to perform a mesothelium biopsy that include needle biopsy bronchoscopy or videoassisted surgery The type of biopsy required will depend on the location of the mesothelioma and which part of the mesothelium it is located in The patients symptoms and exposure history also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed Depending on the type of mesothelioma patients can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to ease symptoms In some cases surgery is a possibility to remove the affected tissues and reduce tumor size There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this time but patients may receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of life Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have an increased risk of recurrence even after treatment is completed This is why its important to receive regular followup appointments A mesothelioma expert can utilize this to determine recurrences and track the progression of the disease Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur as a result of exposure to asbestos Although they are incurable treatment options may prolong the lifespan for years Mesothelioma a type of cancer occurs in the mesothelium which lines the lungs as well as the chest cavity abdomen and abdomen Mesothelioma is distinct from lung cancer however symptoms may resemble the symptoms of either Asbestosis is a rare condition that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers They can cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring which can restrict breathing Inhaling asbestos can also increase the risk of developing lung infections Smoking accelerates the progression of the condition A doctor will assess the patient and listen to the lung if asbestosis is detected In some cases the doctor will order lung function tests and chest Xrays If mesothelioma has been identified the doctor will take a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests The procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest and then removing tiny amounts of fluid and then examining it for indications of malignant cells Depending on the type of mesothelioma surgery or chemotherapy might be suggested The removal of asbestosladen tissue also called decortication or pleurectomy can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from asbestosis severe and reduce the degree of the complications A doctor can also remove the chest of fluid a process called thoracentesis and in some instances performing the surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to help ease breathing difficulties caused by asbestosis or other ailments Regular checkups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathlessness and other symptoms in addition to pain relief therapies They can also prescribe oxygen therapy and in some instances they may recommend an organ transplant Lung disease caused by asbestos are at a high risk of developing other health issues such as cancer and heart disease To reduce their risk they should quit smoking and keep up with their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations They should also call their doctor immediately in the event of breathlessness fever or shortness of breath and cough Prognosis Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis which is a lung disease Both illnesses share the same symptoms like chest discomfort persistent coughing and breath shortness Mesothelioma however is a cancer whereas asbestosis isnt Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are incurable and may take decades to manifest The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a variety of variables that include the stage location and the type of cell Epithelioid mesothelioma which is the most prevalent type has a better chance of survival than biphasic and sarcomatoid kinds The prognosis for mesothelioma may be affected by a patients gender and age Females and patients who are younger tend to have a better chance of survival than men The length of time that a person is in latency is an important factor in determining the mesothelioma prognosis The longer someone is exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop symptoms The time of mesotheliomas latency can range 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 beginning stages of the disease when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other diseases It is essential that pathologists thoroughly review reports and then request an additional opinion Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a fluid buildup in the lungs that is known as an the pleural effusion Pleural effusions are the symptom of the two diseases but they are not lifethreatening The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung diseases such as chronic obstruction of the lung COPD Asbestosis isnt cancer and does not cause any harm to the body as mesothelioma does A person with asbestosis may be suffering from symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy If you or someone close to you has questions about the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis contact a patient advocate today We can help you locate the right doctor to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan