Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer: Understanding the Differences
Learning the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer is an important step in getting the care you need. While both illnesses can affect the chest area, they develop in very different ways.
Understanding lung cancer vs. mesothelioma, and how asbestos exposure plays a role in both, can help you feel more informed about your health and your options for compensation.
At a Glance
- Mesothelioma and lung cancer are different diseases: mesothelioma develops in the lining of organs, while lung cancer develops inside the lung tissue.
- Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, while asbestos, smoking, radon, and air pollution can all cause lung cancer.
- Symptoms often overlap, including cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Doctors typically rule out lung cancer before diagnosing mesothelioma, because mesothelioma is rarer.
- Patients may pursue mesothelioma compensation through asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuits, or VA benefits. An experienced law firm like Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney, and Meisenkothen (ELSM) can help.
Is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are different diseases. Although pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, develops in the lining around the lungs, chest cavity, and diaphragm, it’s not the same as a diagnosis of lung cancer. While they are different, both are diseases related to asbestos exposure, and it’s important to understand how they compare.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a disease that develops inside the lung tissue, often in the cells that line the airways. The most common causes include smoking, secondhand smoke, asbestos exposure, radon, and air pollution.
Doctors classify lung cancer into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common, and small cell lung cancer, which spreads more aggressively.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin lining that surrounds your organs, often making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. The three main types of mesothelioma are named after where they occur in the body: pleural (chest cavity), peritoneal (abdomen), and pericardial (heart). Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
Primary Differences: Lung Cancer vs. Mesothelioma
When comparing mesothelioma vs. lung cancer, several key differences stand out:
- Causes: Smoking and environmental exposures cause most lung cancers, while asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
- Location: Lung cancer begins in lung tissue, while mesothelioma starts in the protective lining around organs.
- Growth pattern: Lung cancer tends to form individual tumors and spread to other organs, while mesothelioma forms smaller tumors that grow together and encase the organ, but typically don’t spread to other organs.
- Latency period: Mesothelioma usually takes decades after asbestos exposure to develop, while lung cancer can appear sooner.
Although they differ in many ways, treatments for both may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often tailored to the specific type and stage of the disease.
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What Causes Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma and lung cancer both develop after harmful exposure to certain substances over time. Understanding the following causes of each disease can help you recognize your own situation and determine what steps you can take next.
| Cause | Lung Cancer | Mesothelioma |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos exposure | Yes | Yes |
| Smoking | Yes | No |
| Radon gas | Yes | No |
| Air pollution | Yes | No |
People At-Risk for Lung Cancer
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Anyone who smokes, or is regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, faces a much higher risk. Exposure to asbestos, radon gas, and air pollution can also raise the chances of developing the disease. Family history and certain inherited genetic mutations may further increase a person’s risk for lung cancer.
People At-Risk for Mesothelioma
The biggest difference in lung cancer vs. mesothelioma is that mesothelioma is almost entirely caused by asbestos exposure. Those most at risk for mesothelioma are people who experienced occupational exposure, because they were exposed for prolonged periods of time at work.
Common jobs at risk of mesothelioma include:
- Shipyard and maritime workers
- Insulators and construction workers
- Miners and millers
- Firefighters and demolition crews
- Military veterans
Family members also face risk through secondary asbestos exposure, which happens when asbestos fibers travel home on the clothing, shoes, or hair of those who were exposed at work.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer vs. Mesothelioma
Both mesothelioma and lung cancer share many symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. In fact, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as lung cancer. If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to see a specialist about any of the following symptoms:
| Symptom | Lung Cancer | Mesothelioma |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Yes | Yes |
| Hoarse voice or wheezing | Yes | No |
| Chest pain | Yes | Yes |
| Shortness of breath | Yes | Yes |
| Fever or night sweats | No | Yes |
| Fluid buildup | No | Yes |
| Appetite or weight loss | Yes | Yes |
| Abdominal swelling/pain | No | Yes |
Diagnosing Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
The diagnostic process for both mesothelioma and lung cancer typically begins with doctors reviewing your history and ordering imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans. However, both types of cancer can look similar on these tests.
Doctors may also perform a sputum cytology, which means examining a sample of phlegm. This test can only detect lung cancer, not mesothelioma. To confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, they’ll need to collect a sample of lung tissue for testing, known as a biopsy.
Differences in Prognosis for Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
The prognosis for many types of cancer is highly variable, and mesothelioma vs. lung cancer is no exception. Generally, the prognosis for mesothelioma is not as good as lung cancer, but it depends on the type, location, and stage at diagnosis.
For lung cancer, the non-small cell type generally progresses more slowly than small cell, giving doctors more treatment options when it’s caught early. For mesothelioma, the epithelial type is the most common and responds best to treatment, while sarcomatoid and biphasic types tend to spread more quickly.
Early diagnosis, cell type, and overall health all play important roles in the success of mesothelioma treatment.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
Both mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos can justify financial compensation, though the amounts and legal pathways are different. Options for mesothelioma compensation include:
- Asbestos trust funds: Companies who filed bankruptcy have set aside billions of dollars in asbestos trust funds to pay victims. Making a claim involves determining the company that’s responsible and filing paperwork, which an attorney can help you with.
- Lawsuits: You may sue companies that manufactured or used asbestos products and recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. In addition, the spouse, children, or estate representative of a patient may have the right to file an asbestos claim after death.
- VA claims: Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA benefits like disability, medical care, and other forms of support. Families may also qualify for benefits after the death of their loved one.
A mesothelioma attorney can explain which options apply to your situation and guide you through the filing process.
How ELSM Law Can Help
At ELSM Law, we dedicate our work to helping mesothelioma patients and families get justice. We can help you determine who is responsible for your asbestos exposure, file a mesothelioma claim, and get you the compensation you deserve.
The average mesothelioma settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million, but we’ve secured many multimillion-dollar verdicts as well. Some of our recent verdicts include:
- $82 million for a widow in Washington
- $52 million for a victim of secondhand asbestos exposure
- $102 million for an asbestos abatement worker
With nearly $5 billion recovered, our experience speaks for itself. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you pursue compensation for your asbestos injury.
FAQs
Can asbestos exposure cause both mesothelioma and lung cancer?
Yes. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and it is also a proven risk factor for lung cancer. Because of this, doctors carefully review work history and environmental exposures when diagnosing either condition.
What type of lung cancer is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is not a type of lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma grows in the lining around the lungs and chest cavity, which is why the discussion of mesothelioma vs. lung cancer can be confusing. Lung cancer begins in the lung tissue itself, not in the protective lining.
Can family members file a wrongful death claim for mesothelioma or lung cancer?
Yes. If a loved one passes away from mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, family members or estate representatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost earnings, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.
Can I file a lawsuit for asbestos-related lung cancer?
Yes. If asbestos exposure contributed to your lung cancer, you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for that exposure. Proving the connection requires work history, medical evidence, and sometimes expert testimony, which is why working with an experienced asbestos law firm is essential.
Does smoking increase the risk of asbestos-related cancers?
Asbestos is a risk factor for lung cancer, and smoking and asbestos exposure together can multiply the risk. While smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma, it can cause more chemotherapy side effects and make it more difficult for you to recover from treatment. All patients should stop smoking regardless of the type of cancer.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
Request a free case evaluation now if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The evaluation will cost you nothing. Our lawyers will travel to visit you at your convenience or conference call with you over the phone. We understand how difficult a time this is for you and will assist in any way that we can. You can also call us toll-free at 800-336-0086 at any time.
Dr. F. Perry Wilson is a board-certified physician. He serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine and is the Interim Director at the Yale Program of Applied Translational Research. Dr. Wilson is a contributor on the Elslaw.com editorial team and is responsible for ensuring that all medical content is accurate.
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