Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. It affects the thin,
protective membrane surrounding the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. An estimated 3,000 cases annually
are diagnosed in the United States, and the majority of those are traced to an occupational exposure.
Although the use of asbestos has been reduced dramatically in recent decades, the incidence of mesothelioma
has remained steady. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos before obvious
symptoms appear and a definitive diagnosis is made. While there still is no cure - and the prognosis is
typically poor - significant progress has been made in recent years regarding treatment options and various
alternative therapies.