Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms take many years to develop – typically between 10 and 50 years. When mesothelioma symptoms do present, they may closely resemble symptoms related to less serious health problems. Malignant mesothelioma symptoms can vary widely, depending on the length and concentration of asbestos exposure.
What are Mesothelioma Symptoms?
Below are some common mesothelioma symptoms, many also being asbestos symptoms:
- Shortness of breath that gets progressively worse
- Wheezing
- Dry cough or “crackling” sound in the lungs when inhaling or upon examination
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- General fatigue
- Failure of the right side of the heart
- Frequent lung infections
- “Clubbing” of the ends of the fingers and toes
- Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the fingers and lips
- Sputum
In cases where individuals have been exposed to very high concentrations of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period of time, mesothelioma symptoms may include mucus coughed up from the lungs.
Mesothelioma Symptoms: Asbestos Exposure
It is important to understand that being exposed to asbestos does not automatically mean you will experience asbestos exposure or mesothelioma symptoms. There are factors to be considered in evaluating your risk for getting sick other than the presence of potential mesothelioma symptoms, including:
- How long ago you were exposed to asbestos?
- Where you were exposed?
- The amount of asbestos you were exposed to
- The duration of your exposure
- The frequency of your exposure
- The size, shape and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
- Whether or not you currently smoke cigarettes
- Whether or not you have pre-existing lung conditions or other health problems
Are You Experiencing Mesothelioma Symptoms?
If you think you’re experiencing mesothelioma symptoms, contact your doctor. Your doctor will be able to identify early signs of asbestos-related disease and advise you on an appropriate path of medical treatment to treat your mesothelioma symptoms most effectively.
For those suffering from mesothelioma symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation by the asbestos manufacturers. Contact a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about asbestos law and to discuss your options.