Key Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are life-threatening conditions, with asbestos exposure being a risk factor in their development. While they present themselves with almost similar symptoms, mesothelioma and lung cancer aren’t the same. 

Understanding the key differences is important to make informed diagnostic decisions. Let’s take a closer look:

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Asbestos was once widely used in manufacturing and construction due to its heat resistance. 

Exposure can occur during the renovation or demolition of older buildings, or through occupational use, such as construction and automotive work. Mesothelioma can also occur if you have had secondhand exposure from a family member who worked with it. 

What is Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It is a disease where abnormal cells in the lung tissues grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. These growths can spread to distant organs of the body. 

Primary Cause

The primary factor in mesothelioma vs lung cancer is the cause. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can damage the DNA of mesothelial cells and lead to cancer.

On the other hand, lung cancer has numerous causes, with asbestos exposure being just one of them. This includes: 

• Smoking 
• Secondhand smoke
• Environmental factors like radon, asbestos, and air pollution
• Mutations in specific genes like EGFR, KRAS, and p53

Origin

Mesothelioma and lung cancer also have varying origins. 

Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of organs. When you inhale asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lungs and the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). If swallowed, they can reach the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

Lung cancer develops inside the lung tissue, near the airways or air sacs.

Pathology Tumor Appearance

Another difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer is the way each disease develops. Mesothelioma typically starts as small nodular tumors, which are scattered in the mesothelial lining. These small tumors grow together and eventually turn into a sheath-like tumor that surrounds the lungs or other organs.

With lung cancer, the tumors are typically larger in size and remain in one body cavity. They are locally aggressive. 

Diagnostic Method

Doctors use similar tests to diagnose both lung cancer and mesothelioma, including X-rays, PET, and CT scans. The last and most important step is a tissue biopsy. 

Lung cancer and mesothelioma cells look different under a microscope. The nodules developed during mesothelioma are larger in size and greater in number. This is why the disease is so hard to treat. 

Treatment Options

Both lung cancer and mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, with mesothelioma, the success of these treatments is limited. The last treatment method is palliative care. 

Legal Action 

Since the leading cause of lung cancer is smoking, identifying a responsible party for your medical diagnosis is not possible.

However, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can take legal action against the company or individual responsible for asbestos exposure. Hire a reputable mesothelioma lawyer, such as those at ELSM Law, and take the necessary steps.