The difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma can translate to a difference in treatment, though both conditions can result from the same cause.

For one, while lung cancer forms in the lung tissue, pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining around the lungs. However, with these distinguishable differences, it must be noted that both can develop through asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious complications including the development of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can also occur in a number of settings including public buildings such as government offices or schools, at home, on the job, or in wars fought on foreign grounds.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that for many years has been used in building materials. Its long fibers make it durable, and it is heat resistant. Though the material seems useful, since the early 20th century, it has been associated with lung cancer.

Studies suggest that when the fibers are breathed in, they can cause lung cancer and a range of other health problems. Because of this, asbestos has been largely banned in building materials since the middle of the 20th century.

However, many people still face asbestos exposure and may be at risk for asbestos lung cancer.

People still face asbestos exposure today. Asbestos is considered dangerous only if the fibers are disturbed and then breathed in or swallowed, according to the American Cancer Society.

Even though many older buildings containing asbestos are still around, asbestos may be in a fairly stable and safe condition. However, if an old building is in poor repair or if contains asbestos that is being disturbed, it may pose a danger. 

A recent study published in Molecular and Clinical Oncology notes that the main industries in which lung cancer is prevalent is shipbuilding and building construction in the region studied. These industries involve extensive exposure to building materials, and these materials may very well contain asbestos. 

Exposure on the job is the number one cause of asbestos disease. Those most at risk include firefighters, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, insulators, and roofers.

Overview: Difference Between Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

The two conditions primarily affect the lungs, but the main difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma is where the cancer develops.

Mesothelioma is not described as a kind of lung cancer because it only forms in the lining of the lungs rather than the tissue itself. Lung cancer forms in the lung tissue.

Mayo Clinic notes that mesothelioma can occur in places other than the lungs — it can occur in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs.

When it occurs in the lungs, however, it only forms in the lining, whereas lung cancer forms in the other tissues of the lungs.

Mayo Clinic goes on to note that mesothelioma is aggressive and deadly, and in some cases, is not treatable. 

The following are additional differences between the two conditions:

• Lung cancer is a more common condition, with nearly 220,000 people diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Roughly 3,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with mesothelioma.
• Common causes to lung cancer includes air pollution, smoking, and asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is usually the result of exposure to asbestos.
• Options to help treat lung cancer include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Mesothelioma is also treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation but it is targeted differently.
• Lung cancer tumors are distinct masses that make them much easier to treat. Tumors developed as a result of pleural mesothelioma are thin and spread over healthy tissue making them much harder to treat.
• Lung cancer has an approximate 5-year survival rate of 18 percent, while pleural mesothelioma has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent.

When it comes to the development of lung cancer, asbestos exposure is known to increase that risk. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, become wedged into the tissue of the lungs. When asbestos becomes disturbs the lung tissue, lung cancer can develop. Additionally, when asbestos disturbs the pleural lining, it can cause pleural mesothelioma.

The most common types of asbestos fibers known to cause lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are amphibole and serpentine fibers. However, one difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma is that it takes significantly less exposure to asbestos to develop pleural mesothelioma than lung cancer.

The number of years it takes to develop either cancer is known as the latency period. The latency period for lung cancer is approximately 10-20 years, while the latency period for pleural mesothelioma is approximately 10-50 years.

One more difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma is that while exposure to asbestos may develop lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma, smoking does not cause pleural mesothelioma. The risks for developing lung cancer, however, increases fifty-fold through the combination of asbestos exposure and smoking.