Mesothelioma is a complex disease affecting the linings of the lungs, heart, abdomen and other areas. It is a complex disease, and people have many questions about mesothelioma vs. other diseases. Below are some of the most common FAQs we see about mesothelioma and related cancers and conditions.

Mesothelioma FAQ’s

Essential Q and A’s for those seeking guidance about potential Mesothelioma diagnose and outcomes.

Does Mesothelioma Always Present with Primary Symptoms?

No. Mesothelioma can lay dormant for many years as the exposure to asbestos causes changes in the gene of the cell that eventually becomes cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms that are common to other ailments such as a lingering cold, cardiac disease or pneumonia, making a timely diagnosis challenging. As exposure to asbestos could have occurred 20 years or more prior to a person showing symptoms, cancer can go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Patients will often present to their doctors complaining of shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, chronic cough and fluid in their lungs. Most patients, over 75%, have been exposed to asbestos from occupations performed many years prior.

Are Those with Mesothelioma Mostly Men or Women?

There are predominantly more men than women who are diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, with women entering the workforce in manufacturing and shipbuilding during WW2, many women faced the same exposure to asbestos as men in similar occupations. For those individuals who develop mesothelioma from naturally occurring asbestos in the soil, the rates between men and women are equal.

Do People Only Get Mesothelioma Through Exposure to Asbestos at Work?

No. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in throughout the world. Many cases have been reported where individuals have been exposed to natural asbestos in the environment and later developed mesothelioma.

What Surgical Options Are Available for Those with Malignant Mesothelioma?

Surgical options must be explained by the physician to ensure all of the risks and benefits are discussed. The most common surgery is an extrapleural pneumonectomy where the lining around the lungs are stripped to remove cancer. Most patients also have another surgery to remove the lymph nodes to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.

How Long Is the Latency Period Between Being Exposed to Asbestos and Developing Mesothelioma?

Studies suggest that, regardless of the intensity of the exposure to asbestos, the median latency period is around 22 years from exposure to diagnosis. Patients have been diagnosed as early as 10 years, and as late as 70 years after exposure.

Is It Possible to Be Exposed to Asbestos from a Family Member Who Worked with the Product?

Yes. There have been many cases of mesothelioma reported from secondary exposure of a family member who worked with asbestos products.

How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

A thorough history and physical is conducted to learn of any exposure to asbestos. Clinicians will use the results of chest X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans of the lung and abdomen to rule out other causes of the symptoms. However, a biopsy, where a sample of the abnormal tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope, is always required for the final diagnosis for mesothelioma.

What Is the Prognosis for Those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

Prognosis is best when mesothelioma is diagnosed early in the progression of the disease and the patient is generally healthy. Most often, these are cases that are discovered prior to the patient experiencing symptoms, typically during a routine physical exam. The size of the tumor and whether or not it can be surgically removed also affects the prognosis.

The median survival rate for mesothelioma when treated only with chemotherapy is 13 months. However, many patients have significantly improved outcomes with aggressive treatment plans such as a multi-modality approach to care. This treatment includes two surgeries by a thoracic surgeon to remove cancer and remove the lymph nodes along with targeted chemotherapy and radiation which significantly improves the prognosis for life expectancy. Many patients who undergo the surgeries, radiation and targeted chemotherapy are living past 5 years which is a considerable improvement.

Once Treated for Mesothelioma, Can the Cancer Return?

Yes. The most common time that the cancer returns is in the first 7-10 months of treatment. Patients should be closely monitored with frequent exams and imaging studies such as CT scans to look for returning tumors.

Are There Clinical Trials Available for Those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

Yes, there are also many clinical trials from cancer organizations and pharmaceutical companies that patients may explore. As medical science learns more about the biology of the tumor, more companies are creating designer biologic agents to target rare cancer. Clinical trials can be very beneficial to patients diagnosed with mesothelioma as they not only have an option to receive a newly-created treatment, but they also receive focused care from the clinical trials team.

Mesothelioma Versus Other Diseases

Quick breakdowns and the differences between mesothelioma cancer and other diseases such as mesothelioma vs COPD. Please brief answers to basic differentiations regarding related cancer.

Mesothelioma Vs Reactive Mesothelial Cells

Reactive mesothelial cells are found when there is an infection in the body. The condition can be due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. It also can be because of a tumor, such as from mesothelioma. These cells usually come in clumps and have more of a washed out cytoplasm in the bodily fluids.

Mesothelioma Vs Asbestosis

While mesothelioma and asbestosis are diseases related to asbestos, they are not the same disease. The major difference is that asbestosis is not cancer. As asbestosis is not cancer, treatment options are very different. Also, the prognosis for asbestosis is more favorable; it is possible to live decades with the disease.

Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma Cytology

Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are both types of cancer but vary a great deal. They each have different causes and prognoses and require very different treatment approaches. Adenocarcinoma is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, and it usually starts in the glands in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining.

Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma Immunohistochemistry

Adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma are cancers that are in the lungs. However, mesothelioma is usually described as workplace cancer, and adenocarcinoma can be present throughout the body and the lungs. Adenocarcinoma is a type of small cell lung cancer, while mesothelioma is a type of cancer of various linings of the organs.

Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma Pathology Outlines

Malignant mesothelioma comes from the mesothelial lining of the pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium. Adenocarcinoma is a form of small cell lung cancer that usually arises from smoking or being around second-hand smoke. Mesothelioma develops from exposure to asbestos.

Reactive Mesothelial Cells Vs Mesothelioma

Reactive mesothelial cells are found when there is an infection or some type of inflammatory response in the body. This condition can be due to bacteria, virus, or fungus. It also can be the result of trauma or a tumor. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung linings that contain such cells.

Mesothelial Hyperplasia Vs Mesothelioma

Mesothelial hyperplasia is contained in mesothelial cells in serous membranes such as the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum. Mesothelial hyperplasia is usually present in cases of mesothelioma in the peritoneum during a laparotomy or laparoscopy.

Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma

Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are cancers that can be present in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the organs, which adenocarcinoma is a small cell lung cancer that can also be in other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma Vs Carcinoma

Although they are similar in treatments and symptoms, mesothelioma and carcinoma are not the same. First, carcinoma is the #2 cancer in the US, with 222,000 cases per year, and there are about 3000 cases of mesothelioma per year, which is a cancer of the lung lining.

Mesothelioma Vs Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer have some similarities, but it is important to note that mesothelioma is not lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer forms inside the lungs, while mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs on the outside. Non-small cell lung cancer is also diagnosed much more frequently than mesothelioma.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Vs Mesothelioma

Asbestos lung cancer is a common name for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the delicate lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart and sometimes testicles. The cancer is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos in manufacturing related work. It can be either inhaled or ingested.

Asbestosis Vs Mesothelioma

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are both diseases related to asbestos, but they are very different diseases. The big difference is that asbestosis is not a form of cancer. Treatment options for asbestosis are different and the prognosis is better. You can live for decades with asbestosis.

Asbestosis Vs Mesothelioma Radiology

Asbestosis and mesothelioma have very different views in radiological terms. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous form of lung disease, while mesothelioma is a very aggressive, terminal form of cancer in the lining of the lungs.

Benign Vs Malignant Mesothelioma

While many people think mesothelioma is always cancer, this is not always true. Malignant mesothelioma often will surface 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, while benign mesothelioma can happen at any age at all. There are several forms of benign mesothelioma and each is rarer than malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Vs Lung Cancer

While mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar, they are very different diseases. Lung cancer affects the inside of the lungs, while mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. Lung cancer is most often caused by smoking, while mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Vs Reactive Mesothelial Cells Immunohistochemistry

Reactive mesothelial cells are often found when there is an inflammatory response or infection in the body. It is possible for the condition to be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. It also is possible for the condition to be caused by tumors in mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and other bodily organs.

Adenocarcinoma Vs Mesothelioma Pathology Outlines

Adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma are forms of cancer that are present in and around the lungs. They are very different cancers with different causes and prognoses. Adenocarcinoma is a type of small cell lung cancer that can develop in small airways in the bronchioles. Mesothelioma’s pathology involves the lung and other organ lining and is even more lethal than small cell lung cancer

Adenomatoid Tumor Vs Mesothelioma

An adenomatoid tumor is a tumor associated with a specific type of epithelial mesothelioma. It is also often known as glandular or microglandular mesothelioma. However, any form of mesothelioma can have an adenomatoid growth pattern. Pleural, peritoneal and pericardial mesotheliomas may all have an adenomatoid differentiation.

Asbestosis Vs Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma and asbestosis both are caused by the inhalation of tiny asbestos fibers, but they are very different diseases. Patients with either disease may show many of the same symptoms, but asbestosis is not a form of cancer. Asbestosis is a disease that damages the ability of the lungs to breathe, but mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer affecting the lung lining.

Bronchogenic Carcinoma Vs Mesothelioma

Bronchogenic carcinoma is malignant cancer in the lung that arises in the epithelium of the bronchus or bronchiole. It starts as a group of atypical epithelial cells inside the bronchial mucosa. It is a form of cancer that develops inside the lung and is often caused by exposure to pollution or cigarette smoke. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the organ linings caused by asbestos exposure.

Bronchogenic Carcinoma Vs Pleural Mesothelioma

Bronchogenic carcinoma is serious lung cancer that starts in the epithelium in the bronchiole or bronchus. It is a type of cancer that resides inside the lung. Pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer from asbestos exposure that is in the lining of the lungs. The latency period for mesothelioma can be decades, while for bronchogenic carcinoma, it can be weeks or months.

Carboplatin Vs Cisplatin Mesothelioma

Carboplatin is a common chemotherapy drug to treat many cancers, including mesothelioma. It is usually a second line treatment for this disease. An advantage of carboplatin for mesothelioma treatment is that it is more tolerable for more patients than stronger types of drugs, such as cisplatin. This means carboplatin has less serious side effects.

Carcinoma Vs Mesothelioma

Carcinoma is a form of lung cancer and is the second-most-common form of cancer in the US. It is a cancer of the lung that forms in tumors inside the lungs. On the other hand, mesothelioma is diagnosed in only around 2800 people per year and is cancer affecting the lung lining. Another major difference with mesothelioma is that it has a latency period of up to 50 years.

Empyema Vs Mesothelioma

Empyema is a collection of pus that can develop in the pleural cavity from the pleural fluid. This condition is often associated with pneumonia, but it also can develop after surgery on the thoracic region. There are about 32,000 cases per year. Mesothelioma is serious cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It involves the lining of the lungs and has a very high mortality rate. It is diagnosed in only approximately 3,000 people per year.

Gout Vs Mesothelioma

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by too much uric acid in the bloodstream. Gout symptoms are because of the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and how the body responds to them. Gout has a particularly strong effect on the joint at the base of the big toe. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining and other organ linings caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos.

Ihc Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma

Immunohistochemical markers are special types of proteins that help physicians to tell the difference between different types of cancer. This is very important for understanding the prognoses and treatment options for different types of cancer. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining, has different protein markers than for adenocarcinoma, a form of small cell lung cancer.

Interstitial Lung Disease Vs Mesothelioma

Interstitial lung disease or ILD is a general term for a large number of disorders that scar the lungs; this scarring also is referred to as fibrosis. The scarring makes the lungs stiff, making it harder to breathe. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. It forms in the lung and other organ linings and is often terminal.

Keytruda Vs Opdivo for Mesothelioma

Keytruda and Opdivo are both very effective and successful chemotherapy drugs that are used to harness the patient’s immune system to kill cancer cells. According to recent research, Keytruda appears to be a more effective cancer treatment than Opdivo, including for mesothelioma. This seems to be because Merck, the company that owns Keytruda, targeted a smaller number of lung cancer patients and this seemed to prove more effective.

Malignant Mesothelioma Vs Adenocarcinoma

Malignant mesothelioma is a very serious cancer of the lining of the lungs and other organ linings. It is caused by exposure to asbestos – either breathed or ingested. The latency period for malignant mesothelioma is up to 40 years. Adenocarcinoma is a form of small cell lung cancer that is typically contracted by breathing pollutants and/or smoking.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Vs Normal Pleura a Normal Pleura

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining, caused by long term exposure to asbestos in industrial and manufacturing settings. It affects the pleura of the lungs, where tiny shards of asbestos get trapped. Over time, these trapped pieces can change the DNA and mutate into a very serious cancer.

Mesothelioma Vs Benign Mesothelial Cells

Mesothelioma is a malignant and usually fatal cancer of the lung lining caused by exposure to asbestos. It has a latency period of up to 40 years. However, there are cases where the growth of mesothelial cells are benign and are not a form of cancer. The benign form is not caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Vs Lung Cancer Immunohistochemistry

Mesothelioma is cancer affecting the lining of the organs, especially the lungs, and is caused by exposure to asbestos over many years. Lung cancer usually involves cancerous masses in the lungs themselves. The membrane that is affected in mesothelioma is known as the mesothelium and also protects the heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, liver, and pancreas.

Mesothelioma Vs Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and malignant mesothelioma are the general terms for cancer affecting the lining of the major organs, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines. However, it is possible for a patient to have a form of benign mesothelioma that is not cancerous. Malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Vs Reactive Mesothelial Cells Cytology

Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer that affects the lining of the major organs, including the lungs, stomach, kidneys, intestines and more. It is fatal cancer in most cases and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Reactive mesothelial cells may be found when the body has an infection or inflammatory response due to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. But it also can be caused by the presence of mesothelioma tumors.

Mesothelioma Vs Small Cell Lung Cancer

While they are similar in treatments and symptoms, mesothelioma is not a form of lung cancer. The biggest difference between the two diseases is the incidence rate. Lung cancer is the #2 cause of cancer in the United States, with 222,500 cases per year. There are only 2800 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed per year. Mesothelioma affects the lining of the organs, while small cell lung cancer usually involves tumors inside the lungs.

Mesothelioma Vs Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the organ linings, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and spleen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos over the years and can be diagnosed 30 or 40 years after initial exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer and can spread to tissues, bones and lymph nodes. It is easy to treat if caught early.

Papillary Mesothelial Hyperplasia Vs Mesothelioma

Papillary mesothelial hyperplasia is a reactive and benign condition that is associated with many acute and chronic injuries of the mesothelial surface. The injury that causes the problem could be inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the major organs, including the lungs, heart, spleen, and kidneys. It is caused by being exposed to asbestos. It can take decades to develop mesothelioma, sometimes as long as 50 years.

Percentage of People Who Are Diagnosed With Mesothelioma Vs Died

Approximately 3,000 people per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. In 1999, the adjusted death rate from mesothelioma was 13.2 deaths per one million people. The death rate was 12.3 deaths per million by the conclusion of 2010. This was a drop of almost seven percent.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Vs Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a serious cancer of the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen called the peritoneum. It is caused by exposure to asbestos over many years. Many workers either breathe in or ingest the tiny fragments of asbestos, leading to this cancer. But peritoneal cancer is often correlated with ovarian cancer in women. But men also can develop peritoneal cancer that is not related to asbestos exposure.

Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma Vs Mesothelioma

Primary peritoneal carcinoma is cancer that develops in the very thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. It covers the uterus, bladder, and rectum. It consists of epithelial cells and is referred to as the peritoneum. It makes a fluid that helps our organs to move smoothly in the abdomen. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the organ linings including in the abdomen caused by exposure to asbestos, either through breathing or ingesting the carcinogen.

Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia Vs Mesothelioma

Reactive mesothelial hyperplasia is related to many chronic and acute injuries to the mesothelial surface on the lungs. The injury can be inflammatory, infectious or toxic in nature. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and other organ linings. It is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos fibers in manufacturing and industrial work.

Sarcoma Vs Mesothelioma

Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that affect the tissues affecting, connecting, supporting or surrounding various body systems. Sarcomas can affect bone, skin and other soft tissues. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and other organs that is caused by asbestos exposure over long periods of time. Mesothelioma is generally fatal, while some sarcomas have a much better survival rate if caught early.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Vs Mesothelioma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the #2 most common form of skin cancer. It is found on parts of the body that are damaged by UV rays, such as the head, neck, chest, upper back, ears, lips, and hands. Mesothelioma is cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the organ linings surrounding the lungs, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and testicles.

Stage 3 Vs Stage 4 Mesothelioma

In stage 3 mesothelioma, tumors have spread into tissues, organs and/or lymph nodes around the original site of cancer. It is in stage 3 when the cancer is often caught because this is when people start to notice symptoms. It can be treated in stage 3 with surgery and chemotherapy. In stage 4, cancer has spread beyond the abdominal or chest cavity, and surgery is no longer a possibility. Chemotherapy is primarily used to ease symptoms.

See Stages of Mesothelioma

X Rays Healthy Lung Vs Mesothelioma

An x-ray often does not show mesothelioma, especially in the first and second stages. But a standard chest x-ray may be able to show pleural effusion, which is a build-up of fluid between the pleura. This is a possible indicator of mesothelioma. In a normal x-ray, there would be no pleural effusion present. A CT scan may be needed to definitively diagnose mesothelioma.