Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer that is commonly caused by exposure to asbestos products or fibers. Mesothelioma is often persistent and difficult to treat. Typically, fibers inside the body cause abnormalities and tumors in the chest, abdomen and other surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, those who have contracted mesothelioma may have few symptoms, or no symptoms at all, until years or even decades after their initial asbestos exposure. It can take up to 30 to 50 years for this disease to cause noticeable symptoms.
Although mesothelioma can be extremely hard to identify, there are some mesothelioma warning signs that those who have been exposed to asbestos can look for and mention to doctors when they decide to seek medical consultation for a diagnosis. Since mesothelioma is hard to identify and rare, it is also not top of mind for doctors, because of this it is important that those exposed to asbestos bring it up to their doctors.
Mesothelioma Warning Signs: Two Main Types of Mesothelioma
Different mesothelioma warning signs relate to two different fundamental types of cancer. One of these is pleural mesothelioma, where the disease primarily affects the lungs and lung area. The other is called peritoneal mesothelioma and impacts the abdomen and major organs in the abdominal area.
Mesothelioma Warning Signs: Pleural Mesothelioma
Those who are experiencing various stages of pleural mesothelioma may experience some of the following mesothelioma warning signs and symptoms:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- weight loss
- problems with eating, drinking or swallowing
- sore or hoarse throat
- chronic coughing
- flu-like symptoms such as fever
Many of these symptoms are caused by fluid building up in the chest cavity and putting pressure on the lungs.
Mesothelioma Warning Signs: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
With abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma, patients may experience the following early warning signs:
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- gastrointestinal problems
- high white blood cell count
Mesothelioma Warning Signs: Diagnosis and Treatment
Those who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. Doctors will document all symptoms and will often give those suspected of having mesothelioma a series of tests including lung capacity tests, blood tests and diagnostic radiology. Doctors may also order various types of biopsies if they see troubling mesothelioma warning signs in initial tests. Doctors will also try to keep the patient comfortable with pain medication and other treatments, while putting together a long-term treatment plan.
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law to see if you are eligible for compensation from the asbestos manufacturers responsible for the initial asbestos exposure.