Asbestos mesothelioma is commonly referred to as or used interchangeably with asbestos lung cancer. Although similar, lung cancer and mesothelioma are in fact different conditions, and it is usually asbestos mesothelioma that is developed due to asbestos exposure, not lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in the thin membrane in the linings of the lungs (the pleura). Asbestos lung cancer is found in the actual lungs themselves. Mesothelioma can also develop in the linings of the abdomen (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). While lung cancer may also travel throughout the body, it begins in the lungs first and foremost. Mesothelioma can develop first in any of the above mentioned organ linings.

Lung cancer and mesothelioma symptoms share many similarities. According to Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, the symptoms of mesothelioma and lung cancer may include “dry cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.” While a patient or doctor may initially diagnose the condition as lung cancer, further tests generally reveal a mesothelioma condition and history of asbestos exposures, a key indicator of a mesothelioma diagnosis. If a patient has the potential to develop asbestos mesothelioma because of known exposure to asbestos, they should inform their doctor.

Mesothelioma treatment also resembles lung cancer treatment, in that the traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are often used for both mesothelioma and lung cancer. Surgery is typically not an option for either mesothelioma or lung cancer victims unless the disease is caught early.

While smoking may cause lung cancer, it does not cause mesothelioma. Although smoking does not help mesothelioma patients and may aggravate the condition, it is not a direct cause of the asbestos-related disease.

Both asbestos mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer may take between 15 and 35 years to develop after initial asbestos exposure. Because of this fairly long latency period, many individuals are not diagnosed until the asbestos disease has developed and they may not be aware that their cancer was caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was a commonly used product until about 1990. It was often used in walls or ceilings as insulation. Many products used in construction work or for car repair have contained asbestos fibers and have put thousands of individuals at risk of developing asbestos cancer. Houses built up to 2000 may still contain asbestos, thus putting the residents in danger of developing asbestos lung cancer or asbestos mesothelioma. 

Individuals who work at a shipyard, as a mechanic, a construction worker, roofer, and several other occupations have the highest risk of developing dangerous asbestos mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer because of the asbestos-containing equipment and tools used while on the job. 

Asbestos exposure is one of the most common sources of mesothelioma. Though lung cancer has many sources and is more rare than mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer is allegedly more deadly than asbestos mesothelioma.

Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits and asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of products containing asbestos particles and the employers who exposed their employees to asbestos for allegedly risking employees’ health without adequate warning or protection. Billions of dollars have already been awarded to plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits. Families who lost a loved one because of asbestos exposure and cancer have filed wrongful death lawsuits against these companies.