Mesothelioma and asbestos are two different things but very much related. Asbestos is a material that was used widely from 1920-1980 in many things from pipe insulation, carpentry, house siding, roofing and more. Asbestos was thought to be a wonder fiber because when mixed with cement, for example, it would make it very strong. When the older buildings and insulations started breaking apart, the tiny particles from the asbestos fibers would be swept up in the air where they would be breathed in by people. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested in large amounts, they attach to the linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart. Most often, the lungs are affected. When this happens, the condition is called Mesothelioma. The number of Mesothelioma cases grows from year to year. Since it can take 40 years to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma, the upward number of cases is expected to continue. Mesothelioma is fatal although researchers continue to look for ways to combat the disease. Because of the negligence of companies to continue to use and have their workers work with asbestos even after they knew it was a health risk, many people are filing and winning lawsuits. If you have a concern that you may have been exposed to asbestos, see your doctor. If you have Mesothelioma, contact an attorney.