Is mesothelioma a type of lung cancer?

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Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane that lines the lungs, chest wall, abdomen, and other organs. Although it is commonly associated with asbestos exposure, it is important to differentiate mesothelioma from lung cancer, as they have distinct characteristics and treatment approaches. This article explores the unique features of mesothelioma and highlights the differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Where does mesothelioma originate?

Mesothelioma originates in the mesothelial cells, present in the lining of various organs. There are several types of mesothelioma, with the most common being pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining), pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining), and testicular mesothelioma (testicular lining). These distinct locations give rise to different symptoms and treatment approaches.

What are the causes and risk factors of mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the primary known cause of mesothelioma. Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers can lead to their accumulation in the mesothelial lining, causing inflammation and genetic damage over time. Other potential risk factors include occupational exposure to certain minerals, radiation exposure, and certain genetic mutations. Unlike lung cancer, which is strongly associated with smoking, mesothelioma is typically not related to tobacco use.

Is mesothelioma and lung cancer same?

No. Mesothelioma is not lung cancer but a type of cancer that arises in the pleural tissue, a layer of tissue that covers the lungs, the inside of the chest cavity and diaphragm. Some people often confuse mesothelioma with lung cancer because both share similar symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.

Mesothelioma is the cancer of the mesothelium membrane composed of mesodermal simple squamous epithelial cells. The mesothelium membrane forms the inner lining of various body cavities including the pleural cavity around the lungs. Mesothelioma can occur anywhere within the mesothelium, but the pleural cavity is the most affected. It can be benign or malignant. The malignant mesothelioma is a rare toxic growth of mesothelial cells.

What are the differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer?

Although mesothelioma and lung cancer both affect the respiratory system, there are key differences that set them apart:

Origin and Affected Cells: Lung cancer originates in the lung tissue itself, specifically the cells lining the airways. We can categorise them into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In contrast, mesothelioma arises from the mesothelial cells lining various organs, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common type.

Histological Differences: Lung cancer and mesothelioma also differ in terms of their histology. Lung cancer is further classified based on specific cellular characteristics, such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. In contrast, mesothelioma has its own distinct histological patterns, including epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic (a combination of both).

Treatment Approaches: Treatment strategies for lung cancer and mesothelioma can vary significantly. Lung cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the cancer type and stage. In contrast, mesothelioma treatment often includes a multimodal approach, which may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma, or surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma.

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Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer that affects the lungs?
Although they share some symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, mesothelial tumours are not a type of lung cancer. These tumours develop from a layer of cells that line the inner surface of the chest cavity and the lungs called the mesothelium and can be confused with lung cancer.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Aditi Gangal
Aditi Gangal
A science graduate by education and a content writer by profession, Aditi prefers doing research and analysis at THIP. With a keen eye for detail, she works as a responsible fact checker who sincerely analyses fake news. A proactive and confident writer, she enjoys writing on health and wellbeing.
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