Asbestos can cause serious illnesses, including pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis. So people with a history of asbestos exposure may want to watch for signs of these conditions. This task is best undertaken under the supervision of a doctor. But you can use the guide below to learn about the differences between these two conditions. This information may help alleviate stress and confusion if symptoms of either illness arise.
| Asbestosis | Pleural Mesothelioma | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Condition | Non-cancerous scarring | Cancer |
| Affected Area | The lung | The lining surrounding the lung (the pleura) |
| Cause | Asbestos exposure | Asbestos exposure |
| Common Symptoms | Dry cough, fatigue, finger clubbing (widening and rounding of fingertip), shortness of breath | Dry cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss |
| Treatments | Supportive care including oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery |
| Prognosis | Often non-fatal | 12 – 21 months with treatment |
The table above summarizes key facts about mesothelioma and asbestosis. You can find more details on each fact in the sections below.
Asbestosis and Pleural Mesothelioma Are Fundamentally Different Conditions
Both illnesses are caused by exposure to carcinogenic asbestos, but they differ in which tissues they affect. For those with pleural mesothelioma, the asbestos fibers migrate to the lining around the lung and cause cancer there. For asbestosis patients, the mineral’s fibers irritate the lung tissue and cause scarring (pulmonary fibrosis).
So pleural mesothelioma is a cancer outside but next to the lung, and asbestosis is scarring within the lung. These differences also extend to the treatments for each condition.
Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Treatments Differ
Pleural mesothelioma generally requires more aggressive treatment than asbestosis. Common mesothelioma treatments include:
Without cancer-fighting treatment, pleural mesothelioma patients have a life expectancy of about 6 months. So these anti-tumor therapies are important tools for improving prognosis.
In contrast, doctors usually treat asbestosis with care aimed at improving quality of life (supportive care). This includes oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. In severe cases, doctors may recommend a lung transplant. But experts say these cases have become less common in recent years.
Life Expectancies Vary Between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma
In many cases, asbestosis is not fatal. But asbestosis patients have higher risks of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma. So patients should still maintain regular checkups and watch for signs of more serious illnesses.
Prognosis varies quite a bit for asbestosis. Some patients only have mild symptoms, but others experience progression. Data indicates the condition remains mild or manageable for most patients. In one study, about a third of asbestosis patients died from the condition. This means the majority of asbestosis cases are not fatal.
The prognosis for pleural mesothelioma is quite different. With treatment, patients generally live 12 – 21 months, depending on the cancer stage and therapy approach. Without treatment, life expectancy is closer to 6 months. In other words, pleural mesothelioma is usually fatal.
Asbestosis and Pleural Mesothelioma Cause Similar Symptoms
Despite affecting different tissues, asbestosis and pleural mesothelioma share a few symptoms. Both conditions often cause coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath. But some symptoms are not shared between the two illnesses.
Asbestosis may cause the following symptoms not typically linked to mesothelioma:
- Crackling sound when taking a breath
- Lung failure (respiratory failure)
Pleural mesothelioma may cause the following symptoms not typically linked to asbestosis:
- Loss of appetite
- Pleural effusion
- Weight loss
What Does This Mean for People With a History of Asbestos Exposure?
People who worked in asbestos jobs or had other exposures should share this history with their doctors. Together, you can monitor for signs of asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers and lung diseases. Watching for symptoms of these conditions may help catch them early. And in the case of cancer, earlier detection often comes with a better prognosis.
Sources
Al-Alao BS, Parissis H, Rychlik IJ, Graham A, McGuigan J. Prognostic factors in malignant pleural mesothelioma: role of talc pleurodesis. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2012 Aug;20(4):443–9.
American Lung Association. Asbestosis Symptoms and Diagnosis.
American Thoracic Society. Diagnosis and initial management of nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004 Sep 15;170(6):691–715.
Bibby AC, Tsim S, Kanellakis N, Ball H, Talbot DC, Blyth KG, et al. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: an update on investigation, diagnosis and treatment. Eur Respir Rev. 2016 Dec;25(142):472–86.
Keskitalo E, Salonen J, Nurmi H, Vähänikkilä H, Kaarteenaho R. Comorbidities and causes of death of patients with asbestosis. J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Apr 1;65(4):349–53.
Merck Manuals. Asbestosis.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Asbestosis.
Tinkler M, Royston R, Kendall C. Palliative care for patients with mesothelioma. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2017 Apr 2;78(4):219–25.
Free Mesothelioma Treatment Guide
Katy Moncivais, Ph.D., has more than 15 years of experience as a medical communicator. As the Medical Editor at Mesothelioma.com, she ensures our pages and posts present accurate, helpful information.
