Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
The term, “mesothelioma lung cancer,” commonly refers to the most common type of mesothelioma cancer: Pleural mesothelioma. While this mesothelioma lung cancer primarily affects respiration, it is not technically a cancer of the lung. Instead, it is cancer of the membrane surrounding the lungs called the mesothelial lining.
Unlike mesothelioma lung cancer, other forms of lung cancer affect the inside of the lungs. According to the CDC, lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure accounts for an estimated 3,400 to 8,500 new lung cancer cases in the U.S. each year.
Differences between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
While mesothelioma is often referred to as mesothelioma lung cancer, lung cancers can be caused by asbestos and not be considered mesothelioma. Lung cancer occurs inside the lungs, while mesothelioma lung cancer occurs on the mesothelial lining.
Sometimes, when mesothelioma lung cancer spreads, it also invades the sub-pleural part of the lungs, meaning that it gets between the membranous lining and the lung walls. Mesothelioma lung cancer can also spread in between the lobes of the lungs, or interlobal fissures. These developments in cases of mesothelioma lung cancer can cause many of the same symptoms of lung cancer, such as pain in the chest, shortness of breath, and a chronic cough.
Lung cancer is much more common than the specific form of mesothelioma lung cancer. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, more Americans die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer, including breast, prostate, mesothelioma, and colon cancer combined.
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Legal Action
Mesothelioma lung cancer is the unfortunate result of unsafe exposure to asbestos, usually from working directly with asbestos materials or working within a building that is contaminated with asbestos.
If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma lung cancer, your asbestos exposure may be to blame. If you would like to learn about possible legal action that can be taken while undergoing mesothelioma lung cancer treatment, contact an asbestos attorney to learn more about asbestos law and the possibilities of receiving a settlement.