Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are cancerous. But they have very distinct differences.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may have heard your doctor mention the potential chances of developing mesothelioma. But what exactly are the differences and similarities between mesothelioma cancer and lung cancer?
We'll dive into the details in a bit, but let's first take a look at what causes these types of cancer.
What Causes Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer?
Asbestos exposure is one of the major causes of mesothelioma. This is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. It is a fibrous mineral which makes it difficult to distinguish.
Additionally, because of its heat-resistant feature as well as its durability, a lot of construction materials use it. It has also been used in insulation products.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibers become airborne and are inhaled. They are then lodged in the pleural cavity of the lungs which causes mesothelioma.
On the other hand, asbestos can also be a risk factor for lung cancer if the fibers become lodged in the lung tissue itself. But the more common causes include smoking, exposure to pesticides or other harmful chemicals, and other pollutants.
Related: How to Prevent Mesothelioma
Major Similarities Between the Two Cancers
Here are some of the major differences between the two types of cancer that may help guide any questions you may have.
The major similarity between the two is that both types of cancer occur due to asbestos exposure. Additionally, both can cause serious effects to the lungs as well as lung failure.
Below are the symptoms that both types of cancers have:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
Additionally, both these types of cancers can be aggressive. When the cancer cells spread, both have a poor prognosis after being diagnosed. Moreso, both types of cancers are usually caught when a lot of damage has already been done.
Major Differences Between the Two Cancers
On the other hand, the major difference between the two types of cancers is that they affect different types of tissues in the body.
For mesothelioma, the damage occurs in the mesothelium. This is a thin membrane that lines the different organs and organ systems in the body.
Lung cancer cells, on the other hand, begin within the lung itself.
Both types of cancers have similar staging. For the first three stages, the cancerous cells go from localized to the nearby lymph nodes.
Where they begin to differ is during stage 4. In this stage of cancer, mesothelioma cancer cells continue to progress in local tissues. For stage 4 lung cancer, the cancer cells progress and spread to many other parts of the body.
Is Mesothelioma a Form of Lung Cancer?
The short answer to this question is no.
Malignant mesothelioma is cancerous but it is not a form of lung cancer.
The cancer cells of lung cancer develop inside the lungs. While mesothelioma, on the other hand, causes tumors of the pleural tissue. You can find the tissues outside of the lungs, diaphragm, and chest cavity.
Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Both types of cancer have similar symptoms and diagnoses.
Additionally, both generally exhibit only minor symptoms at the beginning and then spread extensively. So, the diagnosis of most patients is usually during the late stages of the cancer. But when they are, the cancer has already progressed.
To determine if you have either of these types of cancer, your doctor will order a chest X-ray or CT scan. This way, the doctors are able to get a better look at the tumors.
Additionally, a biopsy of the tissue is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Unfortunately, once the cancer cells have already spread throughout the chest cavity, this is usually the only way to learn the type of cancer you may have.
Risk Differences
Asbestos-related lung cancers and mesothelioma also both occur because of asbestos exposure. However, there is a difference when it comes to the risk of each one.
For smokers who also have exposure to asbestos, have a higher chance of developing lung cancer. But for smokers who don't have any exposure to asbestos, this doesn't seem to have any effect on acquiring mesothelioma.
In Summary
Although there are differences between asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma, both of these cancers are deadly, especially when not diagnosed early.
It is important to understand the similarities as well as the differences of both types of cancer. This will help your medical team understand your condition better and give the proper treatment needed.
