The Differences Between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

For many people, the word mesothelioma and Asbestosis is a virtual synonym. They only know that both are caused by exposure to asbestos, and both can be prevented if exposure to asbestos is limited by the appropriate safety equipment.

Mesothelioma, also known as asbestos cancer, has agreements with other cancers. Tumors began to grow in the mesothelium, a layer of mucous membrane inside your body, including organs cottage. Location of the tumor activity of the most mesothelium around the chest the lungs called the pleura. Asbestos cancer in the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma.

However, not all forms of the disease occurring around the lungs. Mesothelioma can also appear as peritoneal mesothelioma, is found in the abdomen. There are also forms of pericardial disease, in which the tumor tissue in the heart of the collection.

Although asbestos cancer manifests itself in the lining surrounding the organ is not the network itself, is often confused with stomach cancer or lung cancer.

Asbestosis: different symptoms, Different Diseases

Asbestosis is a recognized disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Fiber that is inhaled and can travel deep into the lungs, is embedded in the alveoli, oxygen and air bag handles day-to-day. Body recognizes them as foreign and try to chase them, activate the immune response.

However, asbestos fibers lodged and the body can not remove. Immune system that ultimately creates inflammation results in scar tissue on the inner walls of the lungs. This condition causes shortness of breath that comes on gradually and is generally worse during practice.

Lung cancer: Many differences, few similarities

Lung cancer can appear in the lungs of each person, even among people who have never worked with asbestos. Conversely, Asbestosis requires that in contact with asbestos. Mesothelioma can be done in cases where asbestos exposure is not clear, but this situation is extremely rare.

Unfortunately, there is one thing that all these diseases have in common: the search for healing. There is currently no cure, although there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms. To Asbestosis, one of the most effective in-home oxygen treatment is used, which ensures that patients receive a good supply of oxygen, although disruption of lung function. For mesothelioma and lung cancer, treatment is very complex, but all focus around patient comfort and quality of life.