Mesothelioma is a cancer that is easily confused with lung cancer, but it is actually cancer in the lining of organs inside the body called the mesothelium; it can affect a person mainly in the thoracic and abdominal cavity. Exposure to asbestos, radiation, and zeolite are the main causes of a person developing mesothelioma. Smoking is not a major cause of mesothelioma, but a combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing the cancer and is sometimes found to be genetic. Approximately 3,000 new cases are discovered each year, which are slowly decreasing due to generational change and changes in asbestos management regulations. The survival rate for this cancer depends on the person, the response to treatment, the stage and type of cancer, and the location of the cancer in the body. “Overall, it is estimated that 5% to 10% of people with mesothelioma live at least five years after diagnosis.” (“Mesothelioma,” 2013) There are many signs and symptoms of mesothelioma and many of them may actually be due to some other cause that makes mesothelioma difficult to diagnose. Fortunately, there are many tests that a healthcare provider can perform to detect whether a person has developed a tumor and whether it is benign or malignant. The symptoms really depend on where the cancer may be located. If it is found in the chest area, also known as pleural mesothelioma, a person may have shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid buildup. If it is located in the abdominals, also known as peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms may include pain, swelling and problems with bowel movement. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, anemia and fever. If a person is led to believe that they are experiencing these symptoms… middle of paper… all the avenues that are offered to patients who want to try to find a cure for the sake of themselves and future cancer patients. Works Cited1. Mesothelioma. (2013, 03). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/statistics2. Malignant mesothelioma. (2013, 12). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignantmesothelioma/detailedguide/malignant-mesothelioma-diagnosed3. Malignant mesothelioma. (2013, 12). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/patient/page2 4. Mesothelioma support groups. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.curemeso.org/site/c.kkLUJ7MPKtH/b.6542537/k.ABB1/Mesothelioma_Support_Groups.htm5. Mesothelioma group. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.mesotheliomagroup.com/6. Retrieved from http://www.harrisonmedical.org/search/?q=support+group+mesothelioma&c=All