What is the Difference between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are both acquired from exposure to asbestos. People also fear both of these diseases. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are not the same. If your loved one is diagnosed with one or the other, expect the medical specialist to come up with different treatment options. Let us help you distinguish the two diseases with our guide.

How Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Develop

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are both acquired from inhaling asbestos fibers. Hence, people who have jobs that have regular exposure to the mineral are at risk of having both the diseases. Asbestosis and mesothelioma have a relatively extended latency period, the length of time that they got exposed to the time they felt the symptoms.

Generally, it takes 5 to 40 years for asbestosis and mesothelioma to develop. However, note that asbestosis is a result of long-term exposure to asbestos while inhaling even a single fiber may cause mesothelioma.

Now let us differentiate the two.

Asbestosis is not a form of cancer contrary to popular belief. It develops in your lungs specifically in the alveoli, its small sacs. You get the disease as your lungs continuously scars from inhaling asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, develops in the pleura, a lining that surrounds the lungs. Studies also showed that smoking and asbestosis are directly related.

The Symptoms

Asbestosis and mesothelioma have similar symptoms but note that these are also prevalent in other serious diseases. Both present shortness of breath, chronic cough, weight loss and chest pain. Asbestosis is a very slowly progressing disease, and some patients experience stability for an extended period. Mesothelioma, however, has quicker and more severe symptoms as cancer spreads to the body.

One can differentiate the two by looking at more specific signs. The nails of those who have asbestosis are rounder, softer, and broader. It is an indication of a heart and lung issue as your body receives less oxygen due to long-term scarring. Asbestosis also contributes to cardiac diseases due to the chronic fatigue in your heart and lungs. There are people with mesothelioma which exhibit these symptoms albeit these instances are sporadic.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Both diseases are diagnosed via imaging. You get an X-ray or CT scan depending on the doctor’s instruction. If mesothelioma is suspected, you undergo more tests and biopsies to find cancerous cells. Nonetheless, doctors also conduct biopsies for people diagnosed with asbestosis to rule out mesothelioma.

Regarding prognosis, mesothelioma is viewed as almost always fatal with patients given 4 to 12 months of survival after diagnosis. Asbestosis has a better prognosis although you will experience a decrease in the quality of life as time goes on.

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What to do next if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis.?

Having either of these diseases is devastating. The first thing you to do is to ask your doctor how these diseases will affect your life. Mesothelioma, in particular, has undergone clinical trials which you can take part in the hopes to increase your quality of life. There are also online groups that offer support.