prognosis asbestosis
The asbestos is extremely dangerous when precautions are not taken to protect against inhalation or ingestion of dangerous amounts of the substance. When these precautions are not taken, several potential medical conditions can arise. Most of these cancers are serious. The most common disease associated with asbestos mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Another potentially fatal condition caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. While these conditions are completely different, they share a common cause.
Asbestosis is a buildup of scar tissue in the lungs that prevents expansion and contraction of the lungs. It is considered a serious lung disease. Asbestosis is often misdiagnosed as asthma because many of the symptoms are similar, and many doctors see more cases of asthma than asbestosis. The first sign of disease is a lack of air that occurs after physical exertion. Finally, the lack of breath occurs even at times of rest. Other symptoms of asbestosis are chest pain and cough.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium of certain internal organs. The mesothelium has two layers of mesothelial cells. More commonly, the lungs are being attacked by cancer, however, other organs such as stomach, heart and kidneys, may be affected. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to that of asbestosis. The lungs have difficulty due to the spread of tumors in the membrane of the lungs. Other symptoms include cough, chest pain, difficulty sleeping due to difficulty breathing, loss weight and fluid in the chest. The difference in asbestosis and mesothelioma is that cancer cells are causing these symptoms, asbestosis is not a form of cancer.
There are great differences in the treatment of asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is not treated as mesothelioma. Treatments for asbestosis focus to maintain the condition of progress as well as alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease. Mesothelioma treatment options available is based on the stage of cancer been reached. If detected early, then there is the possibility of removing or killing cancerous abnormal cells through radiation or chemotherapy. Later, stages of cancer can be treated, but the cancer has progressed to other parts of the body and may be more difficult to treat. Regardless of treatment, both of these conditions have a very poor prognosis.
Asbestosis and mesothelioma are presented in the same way, sharing many of the same symptoms. Also share a common cause. This makes it imperative to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Getting a correct diagnosis can prolong life and also can provide valuable information to be used in any potential claims. Once they have been properly diagnosed and started treatment, it is strongly recommended seek the services of an attorney who specializes in these cases. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for you medical expenses and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of seeking financial support for the asbestos-related disease.
About the Author:
Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma and Nursing Home Abuse. Call 1-888-311-5522 today or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com for a free case evaluation.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Differences Between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
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