Mesothelioma and lung cancer are both types of cancer that are very serious. There can be similarities and differences in how these cancers develop, the symptoms individuals experience, as well as the treatment options that are available to patients. Being aware of the similarities and differences in these cancers can help with receiving a timely diagnosis and getting the proper treatment.
Mesothelioma And Lung Cancer – Differences
The only proven cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to asbestos earlier in their life are at risk of developing mesothelioma later in life. Lung cancer can have different causes. One of the main causes of lung cancer is smoking, however those who never smoked and were regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer. It is important to note that those who have had a smoking history along with a history of asbestos exposure still have an opportunity to get compensation for their lung cancer diagnosis.
In terms of where the cancer develops, mesothelioma develops in the organ lining while lung cancer usually starts in the lungs themselves. There are four different types of mesothelioma, the most common developing in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. Although mesothelioma and lung cancer usually both affect the lungs, other areas of the body that mesothelioma can develop are the lining of the abdomen, the lining of the heart, and the lining of reproductive organs.
Symptoms of mesothelioma do not normally appear until decades after someone is exposed to asbestos. Despite the symptoms of lung cancer being very similar to that of mesothelioma, lung cancer symptoms usually emerge earlier.
Number of Cases
A major difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer is the number of people who are diagnosed with each cancer each year. Mesothelioma is significantly rarer than lung cancer. There are about 3,000 mesothelioma cases per year in the United States, compared to well over 200,000 lung cancer cases a year.
Mesothelioma And Lung Cancer – Similarities
Both mesothelioma and lung cancer tend to have similar symptoms, which include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Both cancers are normally diagnosed in relatively similar ways, which include imaging tests and a biopsy.
Treatment Options
There are similar treatment options available for mesothelioma and lung cancer, depending on the severity and stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery (if the tumor can be removed through surgery), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, early detection can be very important. It is also beneficial to know that you can receive compensation to pay for things such as medical expenses and lost wages resulting from your cancer diagnosis. Our website provides information on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including types of treatment, hospitals you can look into to receive treatment at, legal help, free resources, and more. For more information, call our team at (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
