Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to a deadly chemical known as asbestos. The first signs of mesothelioma will appear many years after exposure, and these signs may include chest pain and weight loss due to tumors in the lungs or abdomen. While the most telling signs will happen some 20 to 50 years after being exposed to asbestos, the first signs of mesothelioma can also include shortness of breath or excessive coughing.
Other signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include, but are not limited to:
- Fluid in the lungs
- Drowsiness
- Abdominal pain
- Respiratory damages
- Wheezing
Aside from these symptoms, there are some important steps you should take if you are facing mesothelioma. Patients should first seek medical attention from their family doctor before considering an attorney to investigate their case. Your doctor can also help you identify the type of mesothelioma symptoms you experience and applicable treatments.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The American Cancer Society confirms that there are no recommended screening tests for mesothelioma for people who are not at increased risk. If you have or think you have ever encountered asbestos, it is vital that you inform your primary care doctor of this as soon as possible.
The easiest way to determine if you have mesothelioma is to conduct a biopsy. You should regularly meet with your doctor as you age, as a simple blood test can help detect the first signs of mesothelioma or other cancers. An x-ray of your lungs can also help determine if you have mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not necessarily make victims think they have cancer. You may at first assume you have a bad cold or are fighting off a virus. That is why it is imperative to conduct these tests routinely with your doctor to uncover any potential cancers, including mesothelioma.
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Various Types of Mesothelioma Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three main types of mesothelioma symptoms that affect different parts of your body. One type is mesothelioma of the chest, which is called pleural mesothelioma. Another type of mesothelioma affects your abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is a form of the cancer that develops in your heart.
Pleural mesothelioma can cause pain in your chest or in your lower back. You will also likely experience excessive coughing, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing. Pleural mesothelioma can also lead to swelling of the face or arms. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes swelling in your abdomen and can also lead to vomiting and constipation. Because pericardial mesothelioma affects your heart, you may experience chest pain. This type of mesothelioma also causes heart murmurs or irregular heartbeats.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma may seem like they could never relate to cancer, when in fact they do. Sudden fevers, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, blood clots, and fatigue are all signs that your body is not functioning properly. When you experience symptoms like these, you should seek medical attention from your doctor. While these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have mesothelioma, they are symptoms that deserve your doctor’s attention and could lead to a medical diagnosis.
Asbestos Company Trust Funds
Until the 1970s, many Americans suffered exposure to asbestos through their occupations. It then became known that asbestos companies were aware of the life-threatening risks brought on by the chemical. As a result of their negligence, asbestos companies became required to start a trust fund for victims.
This trust fund is designed for future victims of mesothelioma, so they can pursue compensation. There are still billions of dollars left in this fund, which means that your case could warrant a financial reward to cover previous surgery bills and doctor’s visits due to your mesothelioma. If you present mesothelioma symptoms and you have the medical records and evidence linking it to asbestos, seek advice from our class action lawsuits attorneys or an expert mesothelioma lawyer with our firm. They will review your case, present you with your legal options, and begin the legal process on your behalf, so you get the compensatory damages you need and deserve.
While asbestos first became prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries, its impact is still very much alive. Asbestos was a common material used in this country for insulation and fireproofing. Therefore, many occupations suffered exposure unknowingly to this chemical, such as painters, carpenters, maintenance mechanics, military members, and much more.
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Pursue Justice with Ben Crump Law, PLLC
If you or someone in your family is dealing with mesothelioma, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We fight injustices and seek fair financial awards on behalf of victims, with no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC will study your case and investigate how you faced exposure to asbestos. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at 800-709-1441 for your free case evaluation.
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