Mesothelioma vs Adenocarcinoma

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Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Getting a Second Opinion

Difference Between Mesothelioma and Adenocarcinoma

Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are both forms of cancer that commonly develop in the lungs, but they are significantly different diseases. They each have different causes and prognoses, requiring vastly different treatment approaches.

Caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the thin lining, known as the mesothelium, of sensitive organs. This cancer most commonly impacts the lungs in what is known as pleural mesothelioma.

Adenocarcinoma usually begins to form in the cells in the glands, which are found in the lungs and some other internal organs. Generally located along the outer edges of the lungs, adenocarcinoma also tends to develop in smaller airways like the bronchioles.

Did You Know?

The main difference between adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma cancer cells is the tissue the cells develop in, the physical structure of the cells, and behavior. Adenocarcinoma cells multiply slower than mesothelioma cells, which are incredibly aggressive. For this reason, it is more likely for adenocarcinoma to be cured than mesothelioma.

Adenocarcinoma in the lungs is the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making up about 40% of NSCLC cases. Adenocarcinoma may be caused by several things, including exposure to asbestos, tobacco smoke, or other environmental toxins.

Unfortunately, it is possible for patients to receive a misdiagnosis of mesothelioma or adenocarcinoma in the lungs. That is why it is so important to work with a mesothelioma specialist. If you need help finding a specialist near you, try our Free Doctor Match today.

Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma vs Mesothelioma

Symptoms of both mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma vary depending on the location where the cancer cells develop.

Adenocarcinoma may form in the glands located in the:

Breast
Colon
Lungs
Pancreas
Prostate

However, adenocarcinoma most commonly forms in the lungs, and symptoms may be similar to those of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of adenocarcinoma in the lungs may include:

Coughing up blood (or a cough that won’t go away)
Frequent respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis or pneumonia
Pain or ache in the chest, shoulder, or upper back that won’t go away and may get worse with deep breathing
Shortness of breath and trouble breathing
Swelling of the veins in the neck and/or the face
Trouble swallowing
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
Unusual fatigue
Wheezing or a hoarse voice

Similarly, mesothelioma patients may experience these early warning signs:

Coughing up blood
Fatigue
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss

Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma and Adenocarcinoma

A mesothelioma diagnosis may be confused with adenocarcinoma lung cancer, as they have similar sets of symptoms. The most important factor in helping doctors differentiate these cancers is whether the patient has any history of asbestos exposure.

Did You Know?

A history of asbestos exposure is the main indicator of mesothelioma.

During a physical examination, doctors will review the patient’s medical history and genetics to figure out if more tests should be ordered and reviewed by specialists.

Imaging tests for a mesothelioma or an adenocarcinoma diagnosis can involve:

Computed tomography (CT/CAT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
X-rays

Learn more about the diagnostic process and what you should do if you’ve been diagnosed in our Free Mesothelioma Guide.

Treating Mesothelioma vs Adenocarcinoma

Mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma must be treated differently because of the behavior of the cancer cells. Treatments also depend on disease stage, location, patient health, and several other factors.

Options for mesothelioma treatment based on specialist recommendations could include:

Chemotherapy: Drugs are provided intravenously or orally to attack cancer cells through the bloodstream.
Palliative care: Procedures that can help improve quality of life and relieve symptoms for patients with mesothelioma.
Radiation therapy: External and internal forms of radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms for patients with mesothelioma.
Surgery: Doctors remove as much of the cancerous growth as possible, depending on the stage of mesothelioma and if (and how far) it has spread.

Treatment types for adenocarcinoma may also include those listed for mesothelioma, but the application of treatment will vary.

Approved treatments for adenocarcinoma include:

Angiogenesis inhibitors: Angiogenesis is the process of making new blood vessels to supply the cells with blood as the body grows and develops. This process feeds cancer cells and helps them to spread and grow. Angiogenesis inhibitors help to slow or stop the growth and spread of tumors by stopping the body from making new blood vessels.
Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are given to patients, usually in combination with radiation therapy or other types of treatment methods.
Immunotherapy: Works to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by training it to recognize cancer cells selectively and kill them.
Radiation therapy: High-powered energy beams that kill cancer cells. This can be given as the main treatment during early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.
Surgery: Utilizing surgery to remove cancer, or as much of the cancerous growth as possible, depending on the stage presenting.
Targeted therapy: A type of therapy that targets cancer cells directly by focusing on the signals and certain parts of cells that cause cancer cells to thrive and grow.

Side effects of treatment are common and can be long-term or temporary. Before starting a new treatment, speak to your doctor about what to expect, how to manage certain side effects, and which side effects should be reported immediately.

Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor now so you can bring it to your next appointment.

Getting a Second Opinion on Adenocarcinoma vs Mesothelioma

Because lung adenocarcinoma and pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining, or pleura) closely resemble each other, it’s possible to receive a misdiagnosis of either. That’s why it’s critical to see a mesothelioma specialist for a second opinion.

Getting a second opinion will ensure you receive the right treatment for your unique situation. Additionally, if your mesothelioma or adenocarcinoma cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos, you may also be eligible for financial compensation to help you pay for treatment.

For more information, contact Mesothelioma Hope today at (866) 608-8933 to speak to our Patient Advocates.