A rare type of cancer that normally affects the heart, abdomen and outer lining of the lungs, is mesothelioma. Around two to three thousand cases of mesothelioma are reported annually in the United States, this is equal to around three percent of the United States cancer diagnoses. The disease occurs around four times more often in men than it does in women. All forms other than benign Mesothelioma are inevitably fatal.

Life expectancy for patients is normally reported as less than on year after diagnosis. Prognosis is affected by many factors including how aggressively it is treated and how early the diagnosis occurs.

Mesothelioma is caused primarily by asbestos exposure, this occurs when fibers are ingested or inhaled into the body and become lodged in cavities of the body, which causes infection or inflammation. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance that was widely used early in the 20th century in many different industries. When people became more aware of the problem in the mid-1970s the use of the product began to decline after the hazards of the asbestos became more widely known.

Five types of the disease are known:

- A non-cancerous condition is Benign Mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma which makes up around 20 percent of cases, this form starts and progresses in the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneal cavity.
- Pleural Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs. It is the most common malignant mesothelioma, it accounts for over 75 percent of cases.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma starts and progresses in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. Around 5 percent of cases are pericardial.
- Testicular Mesothelioma which is the rarest type of this form of cancer

Most symptoms of mesothelioma do not become known for 20 to 40 years after someone is first exposed to the asbestos. Symptoms often mirror less serious conditions that can make diagnosis more difficult. Some of the symptoms that patients may experience are with pleural mesothelioma, shortness of breath and exhaustion. Peritoneal symptoms include, weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, and nausea. With pericardial mesothelioma, irregular heat beat, heart palpitations, chest pain and night sweats are some symptoms. Finally, testicular symptoms include painless or painful testicular lumps.

Diagnosis normally begins with a review of a patient’s medical history and a physical examination. If there are problems suspected, several diagnostic tests are suggested. Included with these test are often testing and scans such as CT scans, X-rays, PET scans, and MIR scans. A combination of these scans can be useful in determining the type, size and location of the cancer.

Asbestos victims, who contracted their health condition because of their occupation, might have the legal grounds for a compensation claim. It is advisable to consult with a reputable asbestos lawyer as soon as the diagnosis has been received.