The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos." Asbestos causes a variety of diseases including fatal cancers such as mesothelioma. At the moment there are no mesothelioma cures, and now workers exposed to asbestos in the 1940's, 50's, 60's 70's, and 80's are getting these diseases in the 2000's due to the long latency period of asbestos disease.

A doctor should be seen if a person has shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen.