Is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer? Here’s What You Need to Know about It

Is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer? Here’s What You Need to Know about It
You probably have heard about mesothelioma before. Is mesothelioma lung cancer? The answer both yes and no. Yes, because one of the types of mesothelioma, known as pleural mesothelioma, occurs in the lung. And no, because mesothelioma also occurs in other organs than the lung. If you want to know more about this disease, then read on.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos fibers. These fibers may lodge in the lungs’ lining, heart, and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath.

Most patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of 12 months after being diagnosed. Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Types

There are three most common types of mesothelioma. These types are based on the location of where the cancer develops. If it develops in the lining of the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. If it is in the lining of the heart of the abdomen, it is called pericardial or peritoneal, respectively.

So is mesothelioma lung cancer? The answer depends. In some cases where the cancer develops in the lung area, then yes. In other cases that are not, then no.

People Who Are at Risk

There are certain groups of people who are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The groups are

Blue-collar workers

For example, construction workers, firefighters, shipyard workers, power plant workers, as well as people who work in other blue-collar jobs.

Veterans

Military personnel and veterans are at risk of developing mesothelioma, especially people who served in the Navy.

Family members

The family members of blue-collar workers and veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma due to potential asbestos exposure from living closely with someone who is at risk of asbestos exposure.

People who live or work in an old building

A lot of older buildings used asbestos as one of their main components. People who live or work inside such a building are at risk.