Mesothelioma vs Lung Carcinoma: The Battle Between Two Deadly Cancers

Greetings to all readers. Cancer is a disease that has been plaguing our society for decades. It comes in various forms, and each type affects different parts of the body in different ways. However, two of the most deadly cancers are mesothelioma and lung carcinoma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, while lung carcinoma is a more common form of cancer that affects the lungs. This article will delve into the differences between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma and discuss the key points that set them apart.

The Basics of Mesothelioma and Lung Carcinoma

Before we dive into the differences between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma, let’s take a look at the basics of these two deadly cancers.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs of the body. This tissue is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body, but it most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.

What is Lung Carcinoma?

Lung carcinoma, also known as lung cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, and it accounts for around 85% of all cases.

Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Carcinoma

Now that we have a general understanding of what mesothelioma and lung carcinoma are, let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two deadly cancers.

Cause of Cancer

Type of Cancer	Cause of Cancer
Mesothelioma	Exposure to asbestos
Lung Carcinoma	Smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas

As you can see from the table above, the primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, while the primary cause of lung carcinoma is smoking. While both types of cancer can be caused by environmental factors, the difference in primary causes is a significant factor that sets these two cancers apart.

Symptoms

Another key difference between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma is the symptoms that are associated with each type of cancer. Here are some of the symptoms that are typically associated with each type of cancer:

Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Fever

Lung Carcinoma Symptoms:

• Coughing that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
• Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood

As you can see, while there are some overlapping symptoms between the two cancers, there are also some key differences in the symptoms that are associated with each type of cancer.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for mesothelioma and lung carcinoma are also different. Here are some of the treatment options that are available for each type of cancer:

Mesothelioma Treatment Options:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy

Lung Carcinoma Treatment Options:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Immunotherapy

While there are some overlapping treatment options between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma, there are also some key differences in the treatment options that are available for each type of cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma can include chest pain, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and fever.

What causes mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

What are the symptoms of lung carcinoma?

The symptoms of lung carcinoma can include coughing that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time, chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.

What causes lung carcinoma?

The primary causes of lung carcinoma are smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas.

What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?

The treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

What are the treatment options for lung carcinoma?

The treatment options for lung carcinoma include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

The prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, with most patients surviving less than one year after diagnosis.

What is the prognosis for lung carcinoma?

The prognosis for lung carcinoma varies depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, but overall, the five-year survival rate is around 20%.

Is mesothelioma contagious?

No, mesothelioma is not contagious. It is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Can lung carcinoma be cured?

While there is no known cure for lung carcinoma, it can be treated, and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Is smoking the only cause of lung carcinoma?

No, smoking is the primary cause of lung carcinoma, but exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas can also increase the risk of developing lung carcinoma.

What is the difference between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma?

The primary difference between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma is the part of the body that is affected. Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, while lung carcinoma affects the lungs.

Can mesothelioma be prevented?

Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos.

Can lung carcinoma be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent lung carcinoma, avoiding smoking, secondhand smoke, and exposure to air pollution and radon gas can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

What should I do if I think I have mesothelioma or lung carcinoma?

If you are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma or lung carcinoma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mesothelioma and lung carcinoma are two of the most deadly cancers that affect our society. While both cancers have some overlapping symptoms and treatment options, there are also key differences in the causes, symptoms, and treatment options that set these two cancers apart. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of these cancers and to see a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the symptoms. We hope that this article has helped you better understand the differences between mesothelioma and lung carcinoma.

Closing Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.