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Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease of the mesothelial lining, a tissue that lines the lungs, heart, stomach and other internal organs. However, it most often affects the lungs. This is because mesothelioma is caused by exposure to and, most commonly, inhalation of asbestos particles.
While mesothelioma can act similar to lung cancer, there are some major differences that must be considered. Though there are more than 200,000 new lung cancer diagnoses a year, there are only about 20,000 new diagnoses of mesothelioma annually.
1. Development
Lung cancer is quite common, and has a variety of different causes. One of the most well-known causes of lung cancer is smoking. In fact, it’s estimated that 90 percent of all lung cancers are caused by tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association. Smokers who quit are also at risk for lung cancer, as are those who breathe secondhand smoke.
Lung cancer can also be caused by:
- Radon exposure
- Hazardous chemical exposure
- Particle pollution
- Genetics
Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It’s important to note that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. However, when mesothelioma does occur, it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, with few other mitigating factors.
2. Treatment
Lung cancer develops in stages. If left untreated, or if it’s especially aggressive, it can spread to the lymph nodes, other organs, and other parts of the body. However, lung cancer is often treatable, depending on what stage it’s in. There are a few different ways it may be treated:
- Surgical removal of the cancer tissue
- Chemotherapy to kill the cancer
- Radiation to kill the cancer
- Targeted therapy, such as certain drugs, to stop the growth of cancer
Mesothelioma, on the other hand, isn’t treatable. Once the cancer develops, it has a 100% mortality rate. Most victims live between 6 months to a year after diagnosis, and some live over 5 years after diagnosis. But the cause of death is always related to mesothelioma.
There are treatments available, but these are mostly supportive treatments to relieve symptoms and make the patient more comfortable.
3. Legal Options
Depending on what caused lung cancer, there are some legal options available. Tobacco companies have settled lawsuits in recent years brought by people who developed lung cancer and other diseases, but qualifying for such a lawsuit is difficult.
For other instances of lung cancer, such as radon or hazardous chemical exposure, a patient may be able to sue their employer. However, there are specific requirements that must be met. For instance, if the employer provided proper protective gear, but the patient didn’t use it, they likely would not be able to bring a successful lawsuit.
Those with mesothelioma, on the other hand, do have legal options. Depending on their situation, there are a few different ways to gain compensation for asbestos exposure:
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Claims against mesothelioma compensation funds
- Claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Disability claims
- Class action lawsuits
And others.
However, gaining compensation for mesothelioma can be a complex process. As such, it’s important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss details of your case.
