Mesothelioma is a cancer that resides in the lungs and is associated with asbestos. Malignant Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer. These cancer cells are found either in the lining around the heart,abdominal cavity or the lungs.


Mesothelioma takes years before it becomes cancerous. People from the 1940 and up are just now being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.


Asbestos is the leading cause of Mesothelioma. During World War II, the manufacturing of asbestos increased as an alternative to traditional building materials that were used in the war effort.

Wood, in particular, was in great demand by the government and the construction industry found asbestos to be a cheap and convenient replacement.


Most dompanies involved in the manufacture of asbestos were well aware of the risks involved and that asbestos was a non-regulated product. Many were also aware of the research which suggested that their workers' lives were jeapordised by constant exposure to the product.
But, as is often the case, price and availability won out over other considerations and legislation is a slow process, at best.


Inevitably, thousands had to die before congress acted and it wasn't until the Consumer Products Safety Commission ruled on asbestos in the 1970s that the product was finally outlawed.


Over the course of the last 30 years, most asbestos has been removed from buildings throughout the US and Europe, but litigation is common in areas where companies have moved with decadent sloth in dealing with the problem.




Most people that have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma have been workers who were directly exposed to asbestos, but a few have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma from just living with the workers. The workers would have the fibers of asbestos in their hair and on thier clothing, which would become airborne and settle in the lungs of whoever came in contact with them.


As with all cancers, early detection of Mesothelioma will give better chances of survival.


Chest pain, shortness of breath and a persistant cough are some of the early symptoms of Mesothelioma. This is a very difficult problem to find, because it sometimes resembles viral pneumonia. Fever, night sweats and weight loss are some of the less common symptoms of Mesothelioma.


Other Articles: Mesothelioma - The Knowledge I | Mesothelioma - The Knowledge II | Mesothelioma Diagnosis - The Knowledge III