What Are the Differences Between Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma?
Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two serious diseases that affect the lungs, but they have distinct causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences is essential for early detection, proper diagnosis, and appropriate care.
Lung Cancer Overview
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers in the United States. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 225,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, with around 125,000 deaths annually.
Risk Factors: While smoking is the leading risk factor, it’s important to note that many nonsmokers also develop lung cancer due to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or genetic predisposition.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent chest pain
- Chronic cough or coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear after the cancer has already advanced, which is why routine screenings and early evaluation of any persistent respiratory issues are crucial.
Mesothelioma Overview
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. It develops in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or, more rarely, the heart or testes.
Only around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S., making it far less common than lung cancer—but no less serious.
Common Symptoms:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal swelling or pain (for peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Nausea or bowel changes
Symptoms of mesothelioma often appear decades after asbestos exposure, typically between ages 60 and 70, and can vary widely between individuals.
What Sets Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Apart?
- Primary Cause:
- Lung Cancer is most often caused by smoking, but can also be linked to air pollution, radon exposure, and genetic factors.
- Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, often through occupational or environmental contact.
- Latency Period:
- Lung Cancer may develop over a shorter period and can affect people at younger ages, especially with high-risk exposure like smoking.
- Mesothelioma typically develops 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, with most cases diagnosed between ages 60 and 70.
- How the Cancer Spreads:
- Lung Cancer tends to metastasize (spread) to distant organs, including the brain, bones, and liver.
- Mesothelioma usually remains more localized but invades a larger area of nearby tissues in the chest or abdomen.
- Treatment Options:
- Lung Cancer treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies depending on the stage.
- Mesothelioma may involve surgery to remove tumors or fluid buildup, aggressive chemotherapy, and newer approaches like immunotherapy.
- Prevalence:
- Lung Cancer is much more common, with approximately 225,000 new cases reported in the U.S. each year.
- Mesothelioma is rare, with about 3,000 new U.S. cases annually.
- Legal Considerations:
- Lung Cancer generally has fewer legal implications unless linked to environmental exposure or workplace negligence.
- Mesothelioma is often grounds for legal action due to the direct connection with asbestos exposure, leading to compensation from trust funds or liable parties.
Why Legal Support Matters for Mesothelioma Patients
Unlike many lung cancer cases, mesothelioma is almost always linked to occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos—often decades earlier. This means many patients may be entitled to financial compensation from manufacturers, employers, or asbestos trust funds.
Madeksho Law has helped clients fight for justice since 1972. Our experienced attorneys have secured more than $400 million in compensation for families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses.
You're Not Alone in This Fight
A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing, but you don't have to face it alone. At Madeksho Law, we offer compassionate, experienced legal help tailored to the unique challenges of mesothelioma. Let us help you secure the care and compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at 888-910-MESO (6376) or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are here to support you with both legal guidance and resources to help manage your diagnosis.
