Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer: What’s the Difference?
Since lung cancer and mesothelioma can cause similar symptoms, it’s easy to assume they are the same. However, lung cancer and mesothelioma are very different diagnoses, although they are both equally severe. Below, our lawyers explain what these diseases have in common and why they are distinct.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining surrounding human body tissues, including the heart and abdominal cavity. One of the most common types of mesotheliomas – pleural mesothelioma – affects the lung lining.
Mesothelioma Causes
The most typical cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, particularly in large quantities or over a prolonged period, can settle into the body’s tissues and eventually cause cancerous changes.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can develop slowly over time. They include:
● Weight loss
● Fatigue/weakness
● Fever
● Coughing up blood
● Chest pain
● Difficulty swallowing
As these symptoms resemble many diseases, you must tell your doctor about possible asbestos exposure. This can alert them to a possible mesothelioma diagnosis.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is cancer of the lungs themselves rather than the lung lining. It usually occurs in the air sacs or airways. Over time, it can spread to other tissue, such as the lung lining, but that is not where it originates.
Lung Cancer Causes
Lung cancer has many causes, including asbestos exposure. However, other factors, such as smoking, age, and a family history of lung disease, can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Like pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer symptoms include:
● Weight loss
● Unusual fatigue, fever, or weakness
● Coughing up blood
● Chest pain and discomfort
Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
As we can see, pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar, but they are not the same. Let’s summarize the key differences.
● While pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue around the lungs, lung cancer develops inside the lungs themselves.
● Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. There are many causes of lung cancer, although asbestos exposure is one of them.
● Mesothelioma can develop elsewhere in the body. Lung cancer only affects the lungs.
Mesothelioma is far more likely to be fatal than a lung cancer case diagnosed at an early stage.
Can You Claim Compensation for Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma?
You may have a compensation claim if you can show that you developed lung cancer or mesothelioma due to someone else’s negligence. So, if another party – such as an employer – caused you harm, you may have the right to claim damages for losses such as medical bills and lost income.
To find out if you have a compensation claim, contact Madeksho Law. Our knowledgeable attorneys are passionate about pursuing justice for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients – and for their families. We will explain if you have a case, determine how much it could be worth, and discuss the best way to move forward. We do not charge anything unless your case is successful, so you have nothing to lose by contacting our team to discuss your rights.
Let us help you pursue the damages you deserve. Call Madeksho Law today at 888-910-6376 or complete our contact form to schedule a meeting to discuss your lung cancer or mesothelioma case.
