Mesothelioma is a cancer that is easily confused with lung cancer, but is actually a cancer of the lining of the body's organs called mesothelium; It can affect a person mainly in the chest cavity and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos, radiation and zeolite are the main causes of the development of mesothelioma. Smoking is not a primary cause of mesothelioma, but a combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing cancer and is sometimes found to be genetic. Around 3,000 new cases are discovered each year, and this figure is slowly decreasing due to generational change as well as changing regulations regarding asbestos handling. The survival rate for this cancer depends on the person, their response to treatment, the stage of the cancer and the type of tumor, and where the cancer is located in the body. “Overall, an estimated 5 to 10 percent 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 another cause, making the diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult. Fortunately, there are many tests that a healthcare professional 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 is located. If it is in the chest area, also known as pleural mesothelioma, a person may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid buildup. If located in the abdominals, also known as peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bowel movement problems. 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 avenues that are offered to patients who either want to try to find a cure for their own benefit or 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/Mesothélioma_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