What is Mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute of the USA states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium)."

How does someone get Mesothelioma?
Most of the people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they often breathed asbestos. Some victims have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, usually without knowing it.

How much exposure does it take to get the disease?
An exposure of less than a year and sometimes in as little time as a month or two can result in mesothelioma some 25-40 years later.

How long does it take after being exposed to Mesothelioma to show up?
People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the lengthy latecy period asscoiated with this from of cancer.

What is the outlook for the cure of mesothelioma?
Like most cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.

Is there any pharmaceutical research or are there promising drugs for mesothelioma?
Oncology research is being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United States as well as by big and small pharmaceutical companies. To find more about these studies, go to ClinicalTrials.gov. To read abstracts of the latest journal articles on mesothelioma and cancer research and to access these articles, search for "Medical Journal Articles" try "Mesothelioma News" for current news articles.

Where can I find information on living with mesothelioma?
One excellent web site is http://www.mesothelioma-aid.org/. An excellent resource for families coping with mesothelioma. It includes advice and referrals to other resources for dealing with cancer, caregiving, financial challenges, and support groups. Please search for local support groups as well.

What other kinds of other resources are available for people with mesothelioma?
There are various cancer web sites specific to mesothelioma and unique to the deadly disease. Mesothelioma will update its site regulalry with new links to news, treatments and guidance on cancer.