Not much is known about mesothelioma, even though each year around 10,000 people die of it around the US. The first case of mesothelioma linked to asbestos inhaling was recorded as early as 1898. Then year by year more cases started to appear until now where the number reaches more than 100,000.

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1.3 million US hard workers of the construction industries and those involved in buildings and equipment maintenance are at risk of acquiring mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos. You most certainly think that a mesothelioma research funding should be started. Well you're right, and there is! It's called the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Their mission is to and I quote:

"? funding the highest quality and most promising research projects from around the world through our rigorous peer-reviewed process;
? helping patients connect with national meso experts and obtain the most up-to-date information on treatment options;
? and advocating in Washington D.C. for federal mesothelioma research funding to stop this national tragedy."

You can rest assured that someone somewhere is doing something about informing the people of the deadly mesothelioma. We can dream of a day in which no more companies use this toxic material' asbestos.

General Information

So far mesothelioma is known to be a malignant tumor caused by inhaling asbestos fibers for a long period of time. It is very hard to control and its symptoms appear from 10 to 20 and in some cases even 30 years after exposure. The most common types are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdomen.

For now there are various treatments that can be used to care for mesothelioma. It generally depends on the stage of the disease, your age and the location of the cancer. It varies from radiation rays, chemotherapy, and surgery. However none of these procedures actually cure the illness, they just act according to symptoms and try to alleviate the patient from as much pain as possible.