Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs, leading to scarring and inflammation over time. If the asbestos exposure is prolonged, it can result in severe health conditions, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. While both illnesses stem from the same source, they differ in how they develop and affect the body. Understanding these differences is essential, especially if you’ve been exposed to asbestos and are concerned about potential health risks. Read on to learn more.
What Is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition classified as a type of pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease. It develops when inhaled asbestos fibers get trapped in the lungs’ tiny air sacs, known as alveoli. These fibers irritate the lung tissue, leading to scarring over time. As scar tissue forms, it thickens and stiffens the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult as the lungs fail to expand correctly. Some common symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest tightness, which typically worsen over time.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for asbestosis, but specific treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. These treatments include:
- Bronchodilator inhalers to help open the airways.
- Exercise programs to maintain lung function.
- Oxygen therapy for those with severe breathing difficulties.
- Lung transplant in extreme cases, though this option is limited to those who meet specific health criteria.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines specific organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. However, it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen, the lining of the heart, or the lining of the testes.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause irritation and long-term damage to the mesothelium. Over time, this damage may trigger the growth of abnormal, cancerous cells. As mesothelioma progresses, it can lead to severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation in the chest, and fatigue. While early-stage mesothelioma may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, most late-stage cases are usually addressed with palliative care to relieve symptoms.
Key Differences Between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma
Although both illnesses are linked to asbestos exposure, they differ in several ways, including the following:
- Nature of the Disease: Asbestosis is not cancer. It’s a lung disease characterized by scarring, while mesothelioma is a malignant cancer.
- Location and Spread: Asbestosis is confined to the lungs and does not spread to other body parts. In contrast, mesothelioma can spread to other organs and tissues from the mesothelium.
- Symptoms: Both conditions can cause breathing difficulties, but mesothelioma often includes more severe symptoms like chest pain, significant weight loss, and fatigue due to cancerous tumors.
- Prognosis: Asbestosis, though incurable, often progresses slowly. Many patients can manage their condition for years with proper care. Mesothelioma has a much grimmer prognosis, especially when diagnosed in advanced stages.
Mesothelioma is generally more severe due to its cancerous nature and tendency to spread. Additionally, the disease is often diagnosed after decades of exposure in its later stages when curative treatments may not be viable.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.