Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma and lung cancer are both serious cancers that can affect the chest area and share similar symptoms — but they are different diseases with different causes, locations, and treatment implications.
- Mesothelioma develops in the organ lining (most commonly the pleura around the lungs) and is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Lung cancer develops inside the lungs themselves and is most commonly caused by smoking — though asbestos exposure can also cause it.
- Mesothelioma is rare — approximately 3,000 cases per year in the U.S. Lung cancer is far more common — with over 200,000 cases per year.
- Symptoms are very similar — shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss — which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, mesothelioma symptoms typically don’t appear until decades after asbestos exposure, while lung cancer symptoms usually emerge earlier.
- Those who have a smoking history AND a history of asbestos exposure can still pursue compensation for a lung cancer diagnosis — a smoking history does not disqualify you.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer?
The key differences are location, cause, and prevalence:
- Location — mesothelioma develops in the organ lining (pleura, peritoneum, pericardium); lung cancer develops inside the lung tissue itself
- Cause — mesothelioma is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure; lung cancer is most commonly caused by smoking, though asbestos can also cause it
- Prevalence — mesothelioma is rare (~3,000 cases/year in the U.S.); lung cancer is far more common (200,000+ cases/year)
- Latency — mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure; lung cancer symptoms typically emerge earlier
What symptoms do mesothelioma and lung cancer share?
Both cancers can cause very similar symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Because the symptoms overlap so closely, mesothelioma is frequently misdiagnosed as lung cancer or another respiratory condition. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing these symptoms, telling your doctor about your exposure history can help ensure the correct diagnosis.
Can asbestos cause both mesothelioma and lung cancer?
Yes. While mesothelioma is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure, asbestos is also a recognized cause of lung cancer. People who were exposed to asbestos but never smoked can develop asbestos-related lung cancer. People who both smoked and were exposed to asbestos have an even higher lung cancer risk — the combination is significantly more dangerous than either factor alone.
Can I get compensation if I smoked and was also exposed to asbestos?
Yes. A smoking history does not disqualify you from pursuing compensation for a lung cancer diagnosis linked to asbestos exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos through your occupation — in a steel mill, shipyard, construction site, power plant, or any other industrial setting — and later developed lung cancer, the asbestos exposure may still be a contributing cause. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can evaluate your case and help determine the strength of your claim.
How are mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnosed?
Both cancers are diagnosed through similar methods — including imaging tests (chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI) and tissue biopsy (extracting a sample for laboratory analysis). However, because mesothelioma develops in the organ lining rather than inside the lung itself, additional diagnostic steps may be needed to distinguish it from lung cancer — including specialized biomarker blood tests and thoracoscopy.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, understanding your treatment options and legal rights is important — regardless of whether you also have a smoking history. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
