While asbestosis and mesothelioma are both chronic diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, they are different diseases which need different courses of treatment.
MORE: Find out more about asbestos-related diseases.
According to Mesothelioma Guide, mesothelioma and asbestosis are both diseases that can take decades to appear. They also share many similar symptoms including shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain and weight loss, but the main difference between the two is that mesothelioma is a form of cancer where asbestosis is not.
Asbestosis causes scarring of the lung tissue which leads to hardening of the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. It’s often misdiagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis. It’s treated using pulmonary medications which aim to slow down the progression of the disease.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in the lining of organs (mesothelium). It’s most commonly found in the lungs but can also affect the heart, stomach, and testicles. It’s treated using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
MORE: Learn about seven possible complications of mesothelioma.
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