Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen, lungs or the chest cavity, which is caused due to exposure to asbestos. This tumor has a long hibernation period and is often diagnosed 30-50 years after the exposure. Though currently no treatment is available for curing this disease, a timely diagnosis (depending upon the size of the tumor), may contribute in to improve the patients' quality of life.

In some cases of early diagnosis, the treatments can result in extending the life of victim up to five years, in comparison to the normal lifespan of one year for a mesothelioma patient. While the current survival rate for mesothelioma patients is low, new treatments are in development with better affordability for a common man, and some show great promise. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery are the most common options available today for the treatment of mesothelioma.

The cost incurred in overall treatment of this tumor is almost the same as the cost involved in the treatment of other tumors. The affected will have to go through many phases of the radiation therapy and the intensity of the treatment depends on the age of the person, the tumor's size and its level of spread. It is difficult to determine exact cost for the treatment since there is variability in treatment plans, but usually cancer treatments can cost many thousands of dollars per month. This can be multifold if the tumor intensifies or the speed of spread is devastating.

Overall, cancer treatment, including mesothelioma treatment, costs over $40 billion in the US each year. Typically, for one who has already been victimized by this dreadful disease, the treatment costs can prove to be very expensive. If one has been diagnosed and is suffering from mesothelioma, it is advisable to consult a mesothelioma lawyer, who can guide him as to his legal rights and how one can recover compensation from the party responsible for the exposure to asbestos. An expert lawyer can help recover compensation for bills, lost wages, and punitive damages, which can go up to millions of dollars.