Asbestos cancer mesothelioma is a form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, is caused by prolonged asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate mineral, contain thin fibrous crystals. The material has the ability to tolerate heat, endure chemical reactions, soak up sound, is compliant and has insulation properties. These features had resulted in the mineral being put to extensive application for centuries without any restrain or safeguards. The harmful properties of the mineral were proved only in the second half of the twentieth century and restrictions and guidelines were put into practice. In addition to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are also caused sometimes due to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos workers’ fatality had come into notice even in the nineteenth century but no practical actions were taken to protect people from asbestos contamination. Manufacturers continued to use the material without restrictions thereby subjecting their employees to lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The first half of the last century saw a quantum jump in the use of the material and the two great wars and industrial revolutions in many parts of the world added to the requirement of asbestos. Asbestos cancer mesothelioma, being an illness that lies asleep for many years before rearing up, is affecting veterans of that period even now. But once the symptoms arrive and the cancer is detected, it usually would be too late for successful treatment.

Some laws governing the use of asbestos and outright ban of some types of asbestos has reduced chances of asbestos cancer mesothelioma drastically. Employees who handle asbestos are given protective masks and cloth to wear and made to bathe and change cloths before leaving the workplace. But for those patients already under the influence of the disease, insistent treatment strategies and litigations for mesothelioma compensation are the only line of action left.

Mesothelioma treatment entails traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These are sometimes combined in order to find a long-lasting solution to asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Compensation money extracted from the erring employer would take care of financial difficulties arising by way of loss of income and medical expenses. Researches and experiments to find better treatment strategies are also underway.