differences Between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Stethoscope
Symptoms
Patients with mesothelioma and asbestosis experience many of the same symptoms, such as shortness of breath, especially early on. Both diseases also have a long latency period, taking years after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment options vary greatly for these diseases, primarily because one is a cancer and one isn’t. They do, however, share similar palliative treatments to increase quality of life.
Prognosis
Prognosis
Unlike mesothelioma, the prognosis associated with asbestosis is much more favorable. Patients with asbestosis can live decades with the disease, but it takes careful medical management. However, asbestosis is still a deadly disease and these patients may develop mesothelioma in the future.