Differences Between Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are both serious illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos; but they are not the same disease.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It is considered a "signature disease" for asbestos exposure, because if you have mesothelioma, it can be assumed that you were exposed to asbestos at some point in your lifetime.
Types of mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, is
actually a cancer in the lining that surrounds the tissue of your lung
(called the "pleura"). The fluids secreted by both your parietal pleura
(in your inner chest wall) and your visceral pleura (encases your lungs)
enable your lungs to move easily while you breathe. Although pleural
mesothelioma can spread to your lungs and into the tissue, the original
site of this cancer is your pleura, not your lungs.
The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal
mesothelioma. This affects the mesothelial tissue in your peritoneum,
the lining of your abdomen. Your peritoneum secretes a fluid to allow
for increased movement and reduced friction among the organs in your
midsection.
The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardium mesothelioma, which
appears in less that 10 percent all cases. This type affects the lining
of your heart cavity, or your pericardium. As with the types of mesothelioma,
the rapid growth of cancerous tumors can cause your tissue to expand
and fluid to accumulate. This can interfere with the functioning of your
heart and lead to chest pain.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer develops in the tissue of your lungs. While this cancer
can be caused by exposure to asbestos, it can also be caused by smoking.
There are two main categories of lung cancer; primary that originates
in your lung tissue, and secondary that is spread from other organs.
Types of lung cancer
Primary lung cancer is divided into two main groups that are
categorized by the size of the tumors: small cell lung cancer and
non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell is further divided into the
following categories:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
- Adenosquamous cell carcinoma
- Undifferentiated carcinoma
Secondary lung cancer can spread to the lungs from any other
organ. Many other types of cancers, such as breast and colon cancer,
will spread to the lungs because of the high blood supply there.