The Key Similarities and Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause several asbestos-related diseases, two of which are mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. Both diseases are serious and often fatal forms of cancer.

Here are a few key similarities and differences to keep in mind if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with either form of asbestos-related cancer.

Similarities Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

The primary similarity between mesothelioma and lung cancer is that both can be caused by asbestos exposure. Both forms of cancer affect the lungs as well, even though pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining around the lungs, not in the lung tissue itself like lung cancer.

Even so, photodynamic therapy and other medical treatments commonly used to treat lung cancer are now being used on an experimental basis for mesothelioma patients. The therapies for lung cancer may be directly transferable for mesothelioma patients, so you or a loved one may wish to talk to a doctor about which lung cancer therapies and treatment options may be beneficial for your medical care.

Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

The most striking difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer — aside from where the cancer forms — is that mesothelioma is caused primarily by asbestos exposure. By contrast, it is commonly known that smoking cigarettes and being exposed to air pollution can cause lung cancer.

Lung cancer is also far more common, as well over 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with the deadly disease each year. The exclusive nature of mesothelioma being caused by asbestos exposure makes the disease far more rare, with approximately 3,000 newly diagnosed individuals each year.

The relatively common incidence rate of lung cancer, however, means medical professionals know far more about treating the disease. Lung cancer’s tumors are also well-defined, making them easier to treat compared to mesothelioma’s thinly spread tumors along the lining of the lungs. Both of these facts perhaps explain why mesothelioma has a much lower 5-year survival rate compared to lung cancer.

Worse, approximately just one in three pleural mesothelioma patients will survive one year after diagnosis. Factors like the patient’s age, sex and diagnosis stage of the disease can impact survival rates, but the fact remains this disease is expensive for families and is all too often fatal.

Anyone diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer should talk to a mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer to find out whether legal compensation is deserved for a wrongful exposure.

Talk to a Wrongful Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was wrongly exposed to asbestos at the jobsite or elsewhere, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Military veterans and blue-collar workers are most at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, as these industries regularly used asbestos-containing materials prior to the ban of asbestos in the 1970s.

The Ledger Law Firm represents victims of wrongful asbestos exposure by proving your asbestos-related illness was caused by a legally responsible party, which helps you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online today to discuss the facts of your asbestos-related illness that was caused by what you believe to be a wrongful exposure.