How is mesothelioma different from asbestos-related lung cancer?
Mesothelioma is cancer that develops in organ membranes or linings, called the mesothelium. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma which is found in the pleura, the name for the mesothelium or membrane surrounding and protecting the lung. Asbestos-related lung cancer occurs in the lung tissue, not the membrane surrounding the lung. While smoking is the major cause of lung cancer, some lung cancer is also caused by asbestos. Those at greatest risk for lung cancer are smokers who have been exposed to asbestos. On the other hand, mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos and is not caused by smoking.
