Mesothelioma is rare cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It can form in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart and is not a form of lung cancer. Lung cancer develops inside the lungs and may be caused by asbestos but is more commonly caused by smoking and environmental exposure.
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Differences Between Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Development
Mesothelioma and lung cancer differ in location, growth pattern, treatment and other aspects. Lung cancer develops inside the lung space, while pleural mesothelioma develops on the lung’s outer lining. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the abdomen, heart or testes. Asbestos exposure can cause a malignant mesothelioma tumor and lung cancer to develop.
Diagram shows how tumor location and development differentiate mesothelioma from lung cancer.
Doctors diagnose roughly 2,800 cases of mesothelioma across all types of asbestos-related cancer each year. Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer in the U.S. About 222,500 new cases emerge annually.
Mesothelioma begins as small nodules. They grow together into a sheath-like tumor around the organ. Lung cancer develops in larger, individual nodules with defined boundaries. Mesothelioma tends to remain near its origin. In contrast, lung cancer spreads or metastasizes early to other organs.
Facts About Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
Lung Cancer
Primary Cause
Asbestos Exposure
Smoking
Latency Period
20 to 60 Years
10 to 30 Years
Location
Lining of lungs, abdomen, heart or testes
Within the lung space
Tumor Characteristics
Small, widespread nodules
Large individual masses
5-Year Survival Rate
12%
26%
Many people misconstrue mesothelioma as “mesothelioma lung cancer.” Asbestos exposure is the leading cause. Tobacco use and environmental exposures, such as radon gas, cause most lung cancer cases, according to the American Lung Association. Each risk factor damages lung tissue. Combined, smoking and asbestos increase lung cancer risk at least fiftyfold.
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Mesothelioma and lung cancer both develop decades after asbestos exposure. Both cancers can spread within months. Both also have comparable diagnostic procedures and treatment techniques.
Death rates by state for mesothelioma and lung cancer tend to correlate with each other. The five states with the most mesothelioma deaths also have the most lung cancer deaths.
Lung cancer and mesothelioma have overlapping symptoms. They cause chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue and weight loss. Lung cancer and mesothelioma differ in physical characteristics and nonasbestos risk factors.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Diagnosing mesothelioma and lung cancer requires a doctor to perform a biopsy. A CT or PET scan alone is unreliable for differentiating between lung cancer and mesothelioma. Doctors may perform biopsies via a bronchoscopy, needle aspiration or thoracoscopic surgery.
The doctor inserts a tiny camera down the throat and airways during a bronchoscopy. It can detect abnormalities such as visible tumor growth. If the doctor finds irregular growth, they may collect and test a cell sample for cancer.
A needle biopsy under local anesthesia involves placing a small needle into the tumor. An ultrasound machine or CT scan can visualize it. A thoracoscopic surgery collects a solid tissue sample using a small camera inserted between the ribs. Fluid buildup is suctioned out for testing, but isn’t a reliable way to confirm a diagnosis.
Most patients with pleural mesothelioma will either show pleural thickening or effusion. Pleural thickening is extensive scarring in the chest cavity lining, while pleural effusion is fluid buildup in the chest cavity. Pleural thickening may not appear in lung cancer, but both exhibit pleural effusion.
Get Help Paying for Treatment
Get help paying for mesothelioma treatment by accessing trust funds, grants and other options.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer treatment options depend on the cancer stage or how much the cancer has spread. Most treatment plans include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug for both lung cancer and mesothelioma.
If the cancer remains in the lung area, surgery may be able to remove most or all of the tumor growth. In lung cancer, surgeons may remove the cancerous lobe of the lung via a lobectomy procedure. Mesothelioma surgeons might remove the pleural lining of the lungs in a pleurectomy and decortication.
A 2021 study found that certain types of radiation, such as focal radiotherapy, are less effective as a lung cancer treatment than a mesothelioma one. Clinical trials for both cancers offer immunotherapy, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy.
Survivor Story
Survivor Story
Randy BoudreauxMesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Keytruda Helped Survivor of Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
When Boudreaux was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2014, he was not a surgical candidate because of a previous surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. He had a piece of lung removed the year before on the opposite side of the chest from where the mesothelioma was found. Mesothelioma specialist Dr. Robert Ramirez arranged the availability of Keytruda through the FDA’s Expanded Access program.
The prognosis for mesothelioma and lung cancer differs for each patient based on several factors. Factors include an accurate diagnosis, cancer stage, general health and access to specialized care.
Diagram shows 1-year and 10-year survival rates for mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Survival rates for lung cancer and mesothelioma are similar after one year. About 42% of lung cancer patients and 39% of mesothelioma patients are alive one year after diagnosis. Yet, more lung cancer patients than mesothelioma patients survive at least five years.
The higher rate of lung cancer cases means more widespread access to specialized treatment centers and doctors. Mesothelioma is much rarer, leaving patients with fewer options to improve their prognosis.
Filing an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
Patients and loved ones diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer may file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit. An experienced asbestos attorney can advise you and your family about the available legal options. This disease is aggressive, and the prognosis is poor. It’s best to hire an attorney quickly, so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing an attorney is working to get you the compensation you deserve.
Attorneys who specialize in asbestos lung cancer have the experience, skills and successful track record to secure the most compensation for your case. Compensation from lawsuits or settlements can cover medical bills, lost wages, caregiving, travel costs associated with treatment and other costs.
A qualified asbestos lung cancer attorney can help you decide whether to file a lawsuit or negotiate a favorable settlement, so you can dedicate time to your treatment, recovery and loved ones.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Vs. Lung Cancer
Is mesothelioma a form of lung cancer?
No, mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura, which is the lining around the lungs. However, because both lung cancer and mesothelioma arise within the chest cavity (thorax), mesothelioma is sometimes incorrectly called a “lung cancer.” Adding to the confusion, many lung cancer specialists also treat mesothelioma and vice versa.
Answered By:Anna Nowak, internationally renowned asbestos researcher and mesothelioma advocate
Should you see a mesothelioma specialist if you have asbestos-related lung cancer?
Pleural mesothelioma doctors have expertise in diagnosing and treating several asbestos-related diseases. They understand the complexities of lung cancer caused by asbestos. Top mesothelioma doctors can connect you with clinical research trials and specialized treatments.
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Selby, K. (2024, July 24). Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved October 9, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/lung-cancer/mesothelioma/
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Dr. Jacques Fontaine is a thoracic surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where he heads up the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery and aggressive surgeries for mesothelioma.
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