The Difference Between Pleural Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are not the same, although they are both serious diseases. Some treatments may be similar, but not alike.

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that originates in the pleura or lining of the lung . Lung cancer originates inside the lung itself, although the pleura may become involved as the disease progresses. It is not unusual when a biopsy is recommended that the doctor is weighing the possibility of one diagnosis versus the other.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer with approximately 2,000 total diagnoses (US) per year, of which 70% are pleural mesotheliomas. As of the latest current statistics (2003), 105,508 men and 84,789 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. It is estimated that 213,380 new cases will be diagnosed in 2009.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, and has no relationship to smoking. Lung cancers are most often associated with a smoking history, although asbestos exposure may be a contributing factor in some cases. The risk of lung cancer is greatly increased by persons who have combined risk factors.

Lung cancers are divided into two groups:

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancers comprise about 15% of all lung cancers diagnosed, and often begin in the bronchi near the center of the chest. This type of cancer is almost always caused by smoking.

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancers comprise about 85% of all lung cancers diagnosed. There are 3 sub-types of non-small lung cancers: adenocarcinoma, usually found in the outer part of the lung; large-cell, which can start in any part of the lung; and squamous cell, which tends to be located near the bronchus, and is also linked to smoking.

If you have any doubt as to your diagnosis, always consult with your doctor.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Diagnosis of mesothelioma

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