Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are types of cancer but are different diseases. Each has different causes and prognoses, as well as different treatment regimens.
Major differences between the two diseases include:
Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC. This cancer usually starts in gland cells, which are in the lungs and other internal organs. The cancer generally forms on the edges of the lungs, and can also develop in the bronchioles. (Cancercenter.com)
Adenocarcinoma also can form in the prostate, pancreas, breast, and colon. Note that only adenocarcinoma that forms in the lungs is called lung cancer. This form of cancer comprises approximately 40% of all lung cancers.
Adenocarcinoma occurs more often in women and is the most common lung cancer in people who never smoked. Any patient with this cancer who smokes should stop immediately; studies show that smokers who quit have better outcomes than those who continue to smoke.
If you have this cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and prognosis. These vary from patient to patient based on many factors:
Mesothelioma is cancer that forms in the thin membrane of tissue that covers most of the internal organs. Most forms of the disease occur in the lung lining, which is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Other types of the disease occur in the abdomen, which is called peritoneal mesothelioma. (Mayoclinic.org).
Whether mesothelioma develops in the lungs or abdomen, it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in many construction, manufacturing and heavy industry professions for decades for its excellent heat and fire resistance.
Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos without protective equipment can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lungs and abdominal organs. Over the decades, this damage can turn into an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis; most people with pleural mesothelioma do not live more than a year.
It is easy for mesothelioma to be confused with adenocarcinoma and other lung cancers because the symptoms are similar. (Mesotheliomahope.com). Mesothelioma patients were almost always heavily exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives.
Usually, doctors will determine a patient has mesothelioma because of other problems the cancer causes, as well as their history of working with asbestos: (Cancer.org)
During the medical examination, your doctor will review your medical history and work history to determine if you may have mesothelioma.
Imaging tests to detect mesothelioma include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and bone scans.
To differentiate this disease from mesothelioma, your doctor will look further if you exhibit these symptoms: (UPMC.com)
Your doctor also may order CT or MRI scans to check for adenocarcinoma tumors.
Distinguishing between these cancers is difficult even for skilled physicians. If you received a lung cancer diagnosis and worked with asbestos, it is often a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor experienced with asbestos-related diseases. Each cancer is treated differently, so an accurate diagnosis from the start is critical.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important because mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are treated differently. Your doctor will design your treatment plan based on cancer type, stage, location, health, and other factors.
Common treatment programs for mesothelioma include some or all of these:
Treatment options for adenocarcinoma are similar but differ in some ways:
Summary
Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are different types of cancer that need different treatment plans. It is important for your prognosis to have an accurate diagnosis as early as possible. If you were ever exposed to asbestos, you might want to get a second opinion as adenocarcinoma can be easily confused with mesothelioma.
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