Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that can manifest itself initially in the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular and membranous tissue in organs throughout the body. Although both cancers can be life-threatening and both are known to affect the lungs, they differ in cause, symptoms and treatment.
Causes
Mesothelioma is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure, either directly such as in occupational exposure, or indirectly, such as when a worker's family inhales asbestos fibers that came home on his clothes.
Adenocarcinoma can also be caused by asbestos exposure. However, it can also be caused by cigarette smoke, radon, or other materials including as mustard gas, uranium, or gas fumes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and buildup of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity. Adenocarcinoma can also cause these symptoms, as well as bloody cough, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatments
Treatments for mesothelioma include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, drugs such as Alimta, and surgery to remove tumors or entire lungs, or to drain excess fluid.
Adenocarcinoma also can be treated by removing part or all of a lung. Video-assisted thoracoscopy is another treatment for adenocarcinoma. A plastic tube is inserted into the chest to help diagnose and treat the surrounding areas with surgery to remove abnormal tissue.
Affected Areas of the Body
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Adenocarcinoma can affect the lungs, breasts, colon, prostate or stomach. In some cases, the pancreas and cervix are affected.
Prognosis
The prognosis for both cancers depends on how early they are detected. Mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed until it's in the later stages. The disease can lie dormant for up to 50 years, but when symptoms do emerge, it can kill within mere months of being diagnosed, with most patients not lasting more than two years. According to Intelihealth, about 17% of people with adenocarcinoma are expected to live over five years after being diagnosed.
Basic Difference
The basic difference between the two cancers has to do with the types of cells affected. Adenocarcinoma attacks epithelial (membrane) cells. Mesothelioma can affect epithelial cells and connective tissues.
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