What Is the difference between asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma?

Lung cancer forms in the cells of the lung itself, while malignant mesothelioma forms in the lining around certain organs.

How does asbestos cause lung cancer?

When the fibers enter the lung tissue, the body mounts an immune response to try and remove them. However, the fibers are so stable that they cannot be broken down. The body mounts a stronger and stronger immune response, which is sustained over many years. This damages the surrounding tissues, causing changes in the DNA of lung cells that lead those cells to become cancerous.

What are the symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer?

The symptoms of lung cancer are similar no matter what caused the cancer. People with lung cancer may experience: Persistent cough, which may be dry or may sometimes bring up blood Chest pain Shortness of breath Wheezing Excessive fatigue Unexplained weight loss

How is asbestos-related lung cancer diagnosed?

The diagnostic process often involves imaging studies, including chest x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. However, the definitive diagnosis of cancer requires a biopsy.

How is a case of lung cancer determined to be asbestos-related?

A few different criteria are used for determining whether a particular case of lung cancer is asbestos-related. Some of the features that may be considered include: The presence of asbestosis Pleural plaques (areas of thickening of the pleura) or other changes in the pleura Confirmation of the presence of asbestos fibers in the patient’s lung tissue or fluids History of asbestos exposure at least 10 years prior (which accounts for the latency period between asbestos exposure and the development of cancer)

What are the treatment options for asbestos-related lung cancer?

A patient's treatment plan for asbestos-related lung cancer can include a variety of types of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery.

Mesothelioma Support and Resources

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that averages 3,000 new diagnoses each year in the United States. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, support is available during this trying time. In-person and online support groups and one-on-one mentorship are just a few options available.

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Coping with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Support Groups

One-on-One Support

Online Resources to Update Others

Unite to Support Awareness

Educational Resources

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Mesothelioma patients and their caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. An abundance of support is available for mesothelioma patients, caregivers, families, and friends.

Coping with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A mesothelioma diagnosis raises a combination of questions and fears. Patients face painful treatment side effects with a potentially short life expectancy. Caregivers may become overwhelmed as they attempt to remain strong for the patient’s sake while processing their own emotions about the diagnosis and its impact on their lives.

The Role of Mental Health in Prognoses

Psychological factors have been linked to a higher quality of life and a reduction of pain in cancer patients. According to the MD Anderson Center, a positive attitude and a supportive environment are among the most important factors in determining a prognosis.

Support Groups

Support groups can help mesothelioma patients feel less alone because they allow patients to connect with others who understand how they feel, perhaps better than their families can. Support groups help patients cope with treatment, find solutions for practical issues and provide an increased sense of hope. They have been linked to an improved quality of life and higher survival outcomes.

Caregivers also need support. Caregivers suffer alongside the patient. They are often family members or close friends who are not professional caregivers. They may feel helpless watching their loved one suffer painful symptoms and side effects. Their financial situation may change as they have to miss days at work or sacrifice employment altogether.

They face burnout and overwhelm as they direct their attention to the patient’s needs while placing their own on the back burner. They may experience changes in their physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many support groups available for caregivers as well.

Local Support Groups

In-person support groups are available in many cities for patients, caregivers and family members. You are more likely to find a general cancer support group than a mesothelioma-specific group locally since mesothelioma is relatively rare. To find a local support group:

Local Resources for Caregivers

The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides the following services to qualified family caregivers:

Resource information
Assistance gaining access to services
Individual counseling
Organization of support groups
Caregiver training
Respite care (a break from caregiving)

This program is usually available through your local aging and disability network.

Online Support Groups

Many mesothelioma survivors and charitable organizations have established active online support communities for individuals with mesothelioma and their caregivers. Since online support groups can include people from all over the world, you are more likely to connect with people whose situation closely mirrors your own.

MD Anderson Support Groups

MD Anderson Center is a cancer treatment center that offers virtual support groups to all cancer patients and their caregivers. As many as 28 different groups are offered to allow all interested parties to find the group in which they feel most comfortable. While the center does not offer a mesothelioma-specific support group, it does offer the following on a weekly basis:

General cancer patient support group
Caregiver support group
Cancer survivorship group
Advanced stage cancer support group for patients
Well Wives support group
Circle of Hope bereavement and loss support group

The Cancer Support Community

The mission of the Cancer Support Community is to ensure that everyone who is impacted by cancer is “empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.” The organization’s slogan is “Community is stronger than cancer.”
It offers online support groups for patients, caregivers and loved ones as well as opportunities to tell their stories, volunteer and communicate with friends and family members through their platform.

IHadCancer

IHadCancer is a support community organized by individuals who are undergoing cancer treatment or have survived treatment where they share inspirational cancer stories, write letters to cancer and connect with each other.

Inspire

Inspire is an online cancer support community for patients, caregivers and family members where you can post questions and answer questions posted by others.

One-on-One Support

Your cancer experience is very personal, and you may prefer a more personalized support method. The resources below provide services where patients are matched to a cancer survivor who provides support and mentorship through the process.

Online Resources to Update Others

During the course of an illness, it can be difficult to manage a barrage of well-intended communications from friends and family members. Several online resources can help you keep your family and friends up to date on your health status and may even provide opportunities to branch out.

CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a free tool that provides an easy way to set up a personalized website where you can post updates with just a few clicks. The site gives you control over who sees your page and allows you to see who views your updates.

Blogging

If you are more tech-savvy, you can document your progress on a blog. A blog is just a website where you post periodic updates. Blogs can be used to reach small or large audiences. Blogging is an effective tool to build an audience and inspire others.

Vlogging is a video version of a blog, where you speak via video rather than writing your updates. This can be accomplished on popular social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube or through a blogging platform.

Blogging can have a positive impact on mindset in individuals suffering from terminal illnesses or chronic pain by providing a meaningful activity leading to more positive pain management and social connectedness. It may inspire others.

Making a difference helps cancer survivors and those still battling cancer experience benefits such as the following:

Acceptance of cancer as part of life
Reduced fear
Expanded knowledge about cancer
A stronger feeling of being in control
New meaning in life
Greater connectedness with others

Unite to Support Awareness

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is dedicated to uniting victims of asbestos exposure and preventing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma through a global ban on asbestos.

Every year, ADAO hosts the International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. The 17th annual conference will be held virtually September 16-17, 2022.

Educational Resources

Educating yourself about your illness is an important component of your overall outcome. Patients who are well-informed are better able to cope with their illnesses and participate in their own care. This ultimately leads to better treatment outcomes.

Connecting with survivors is an effective way to start educating yourself. Additional educational resources include the following:

The Lanier Law Firm is a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with some of the most experienced asbestos litigation attorneys in the country. We help mesothelioma patients hold those accountable who exposed them to asbestos. You may be entitled to substantial compensation. Co ntact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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