Mesothelioma cancer of people exposed to asbestos.There are treatments available to help reduce symptoms and get a life expectancy more encouraging. Mesothelioma cancer can develop after heavy exposure to asbestos, usually this occurs in industrial environments, warships, car workshops, old houses, schools and public buildings. It requires a long exposure to asbestos to put someone at risk for the disease, but have been cases in which a short exposure but strong enough can cause cancer. Mesothelioma Types and Symptoms