Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two serious diseases that can both affect the lungs, but they are not the same. However, mesothelioma may be mistaken for lung cancer because both can cause similar respiratory symptoms.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer only caused by asbestos exposure that often forms in the lining of the lungs. Lung cancer typically begins within the lung itself and has a variety of possible causes.
Lung cancer and mesothelioma also differ in terms of patient health outlooks and how they’re treated. As a result, it’s important for patients to make sure they receive an accurate diagnosis.
As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law has over 45 years of experience fighting on behalf of patients with mesothelioma and lung cancer, securing more than $5.6 Billion nationwide. Find out if we may be able to help your family.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Is Mesothelioma the Same as Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma is sometimes mistaken for lung cancer, even by general health care providers. In reality, it’s an entirely separate type of cancer.
However, patients with mesothelioma and lung cancer often have similar symptoms. General doctors may misdiagnose mesothelioma as lung cancer or even less severe respiratory conditions like bronchitis.
Key differences between lung cancer vs. mesothelioma include:
- Causes: The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Lung cancer can be caused by smoking and exposure to toxins like asbestos.
- How they affect the body: Mesothelioma starts in the linings of organs, most commonly the lungs and abdomen. Lung cancer forms directly in the lungs before spreading.
- Number of cases: Lung cancer is among the most common types of cancer, with over 226,000 cases projected for 2025. Only about 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year.
- Prognosis (health outlook): Mesothelioma patients often have an unfavorable life expectancy since this cancer is hard to treat. Lung cancer patients may potentially live longer, particularly if diagnosed and treated early on.
- Treatments: Although options vary from case to case, both mesothelioma and lung cancer treatments involve a combination of surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Many oncologists know how to treat lung cancer because it’s so common, but since mesothelioma is so rare, it’s crucial to find a doctor who specializes in this cancer when seeking care.
Is Pleural Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?
Roughly 80% of mesothelioma cases start in the lining of the lungs (pleura), which is known as pleural mesothelioma, while lung cancer forms within the organ itself.
Pleural mesothelioma is often mistaken for lung cancer due to shared symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
In fact, lung cancer can spread or metastasize to the pleura and mimic mesothelioma, making it one of the most common cancers misdiagnosed as this rare illness.
If you were exposed to asbestos and now have possible cancer symptoms, see a mesothelioma specialist to ensure you’re correctly diagnosed.
Causes of Lung Cancer vs. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is only caused by exposure to asbestos, a fiber-like material used in over 3,000 products from the 1930s to the 1980s.
"If there's no asbestos, there's no mesothelioma, it's that simple. If you have mesothelioma, and you say, ‘Well, I've never been exposed to asbestos,’ you're exposed to it. You just don't know where, you don't know when.”
– Dr. Raja Flores, Mesothelioma Specialist
While lung cancer is often caused by smoking, asbestos can also cause this illness. However, the risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly when both factors are present.
Smokers exposed to asbestos had nearly a 100-fold risk of lung cancer compared to just a 10-fold risk in those not exposed, according to the European Respiratory Society.
Many companies that made and sold asbestos-containing products knew the risks for decades but hid them to continue making profits.
Contact us now to get help pursuing financial compensation from those responsible if you have mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
Most cases of mesothelioma affect the lung lining, meaning patients could develop symptoms similar to those of lung cancer.
Shared symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
However, patients could have different mesothelioma symptoms if the cancer has developed in other parts of the body. For instance, peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen and can cause appetite loss or digestive issues.
If you or a loved one is experiencing potential signs of mesothelioma or lung cancer, seeing a cancer specialist can help ensure you get the correct diagnosis as quickly as possible.
Prognosis of Asbestos Lung Cancer vs. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is rarer and often more aggressive, making it difficult to treat. As a result, the prognosis of mesothelioma is poorer than that of lung cancer:
- The overall 5-year survival rate is 12% for mesothelioma, as noted by the American Cancer Society.
- The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is nearly double at 22.9%, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
However, many factors affect the prognosis of lung cancer and mesothelioma, like the stage of the disease, treatment plans, and a patient’s overall health. Long-term survivorship could be possible for those diagnosed with either cancer.
“I'm doing very well now, as a matter of fact. I play golf twice a week. I ride the side-by-side. I go hang out with my friends when they're around. Yeah, I'm pretty well back to normal.”
– John, 5+ Year Mesothelioma Survivor & Firm Client
Compensation for Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
At Sokolove Law, we may be able to help you or a loved one secure financial compensation for mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.
To date, we’ve recovered over $5.6 Billion for families affected by asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Compensation may be available from:
- Asbestos lawsuits: Our attorneys can file lawsuits to secure payouts from asbestos-related companies. Past clients have received over $1 Million from mesothelioma lawsuits as well as lung cancer compensation.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: An estimated $30 Billion is still available in trusts. You may be eligible to receive money from asbestos trust funds without going to court.
- VA benefits: If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may qualify for over $3,800 in monthly payments and health care as part of your VA benefits.
Get a free case review now if you or a loved one has mesothelioma or lung cancer. We may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf.
How Sokolove Law Helps Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Patients
Mesothelioma and lung cancer can be costly to treat, but financial assistance may be available that can help with expenses.
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma lawyers can help families in all 50 states pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. We’ll handle the process on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and family.
"I really appreciate Sokolove Law. They help you, and they treat you like a person and not a number."
– Dennis, Asbestos Exposure Victim & Firm Client
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to find out if you may qualify for compensation from a mesothelioma or lung cancer lawsuit.
