What is the difference between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

The asbestos-related illnesses mesothelioma and asbestosis impact thousands of people across the United States every year, including in North Carolina. But while these two diseases have a common cause and many shared symptoms, they are, in fact, two separate ailments.

This article explores the similarities and differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis and whether you can claim compensation for them.

Regardless of how you were exposed to asbestos, whether in North Carolina or elsewhere, the North Carolina asbestos attorneys at Ward Black Law want to help you pursue the money you need to care for yourself and your family. Our North Carolina mesothelioma and asbestosis lawyers have extensive experience handling cases that involve asbestos-related illnesses. We can help you seek the fair and full compensation you deserve from every available source.

Our North Carolina asbestos exposure lawyers would be happy to outline your options in detail during a free and confidential consultation. Contact us today to learn more.

What Factors Do Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Share?

Several core similarities between mesothelioma and asbestosis include:

• A common cause – Exposure to asbestos causes both mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used for many years as an insulator and to help fireproof buildings and clothing. The problem is that when asbestos is mined or handled, tiny fibers can break off and cling to clothes, nearby objects, hair, and skin. From there, the fibers can enter the body if they are inhaled or ingested. Our bodies cannot break down asbestos fibers, so they accumulate in the stomach and lungs, where they begin to disrupt cellular functions. Over time, this can lead to a severe illness.
• Common victim pool – Most asbestos cases come from people being exposed to it as a part of their job. Some of the workers who are most likely to encounter asbestos in their jobs are construction workers, textile workers, firefighters, shipbuilders, power plant and utility workers, and factory workers, especially steelworkers. Additionally, people exposed to asbestos on the job sometimes inadvertently bring fibers home on their clothes and skin, which puts family members at risk of inhaling or ingesting them.
• Similar symptoms – Both mesothelioma and asbestosis primarily affect the lungs and respiratory system, though they can also affect the stomach. Common symptoms of both mesothelioma and asbestos include shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent cough, and weight loss.
• Both illnesses are deadly – While mesothelioma is generally considered more lethal than asbestosis, both diseases can prove fatal, especially if not diagnosed at an early stage. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have symptoms that could indicate you’re sick, see a doctor right away, then talk to a lawyer.

What is the Difference Between Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?

While mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by asbestos exposure and have many elements in common, there are also some crucial differences between these diseases, including:

• Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects a thin layer of tissue around the internal organs known as the mesothelium. While mesothelioma often begins in the lungs or stomach, it can spread through the rest of the body like other types of cancer. By contrast, asbestosis is a respiratory condition that is not cancerous. Instead, asbestosis occurs when inhaled asbestos fibers scar the tissue of the lungs. This scarring can cause lung tissue to harden, leading to difficulty breathing and other respiratory issues.
• There are different treatments for mesothelioma and asbestosis. Treating mesothelioma usually involves aggressive methods, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is also an option for some mesothelioma patients. But because asbestosis is not cancer, you can’t use the same treatments you would use for mesothelioma. In most cases of asbestosis, treatment involves pulmonary rehabilitation, an oxygen prescription, and surgery to drain fluid from the lungs so the patient can breathe more easily. In rare cases, someone with asbestosis may be able to receive a lung transplant.
• Mesothelioma and asbestosis have different long-term prognoses. By the time most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed, they often only have a few months or years to live. However, someone who is diagnosed with asbestosis may be able to live for many years, depending on how early they are diagnosed and the severity of their illness.

How Our North Carolina Lawyers Can Help People with Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are devastating illnesses for which you may be entitled to compensation. Our North Carolina asbestos exposure lawyers can help you prove that your condition was related to your work, which will make it easier to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for your illness.

We can also evaluate your case to see if you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit or a claim with a court-mandated asbestos trust. These trusts were set up by companies that manufactured goods containing asbestos to help those who develop asbestos-related illnesses because of their products. Many of these manufacturers were aware of the dangers of asbestos long before the general public was but continued putting toxic products on the market anyway.

Throughout your case, we will work to make the process as easy for you as possible. Our trained investigators can gather your medical records and other evidence to establish the nature and cause of your illness, and we will negotiate aggressively to help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. That will allow you to rest and focus on your treatment while we are working on your behalf.