Mesothelioma is an often deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Given the serious nature of this disease, it is essential to spot the symptoms early so you can receive a timely diagnosis that gives you the best chance at effective treatment and survival.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have mesothelioma, take immediate action and seek medical attention. If your worst fears are confirmed, talk to a Ledger Law firm who will compassionately represent you and investigate the facts to help you receive compensation that holds any and all responsible parties accountable.
Q: How can I best detect symptoms of mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma symptoms are best understood when viewed through a lens of "early" symptoms and "spreading" symptoms. In the early stages of mesothelioma, a victim tends to experience coughing and breathlessness.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms will begin to manifest. These symptoms can vary due to the different types of mesothelioma cancer, but generally patients report increased pain and respiratory issues. An increase in fatigue is quite common as well.
Without medical help, these symptoms will continue to worsen quickly, as mesothelioma progresses rapidly.
Q: Regarding the variations of mesothelioma, what are the unique symptoms of each?
A: Pleural mesothelioma, a form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lung’s membrane, has a wide range of symptoms to keep in mind. Chest pains, back pain, lumps underneath chest skin and breathing difficulty are among the most common signs of pleural mesothelioma. Unique to pleural mesothelioma, however, is pleural thickening and effusion. In very rare instances, it is possible to actually have no symptoms of the disease for decades.
Pericardial mesothelioma has similar pain and breathing symptoms, but this form of mesothelioma involves the heart’s lining. As such, heart palpitations and vascular compression are additional symptoms to bear in mind.
Peritoneal mesothelioma exists within abdominal lining, and as such it is common for abdominal pain and inflammation to exist for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Additionally, anemia, chronic nausea and bowel movement difficulties are possible.
Q: Does Mesothelioma Change When It Metastasizes?
A: All forms of malignant mesothelioma are known for rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. When this takes place for any form of mesothelioma, symptoms of the various types of mesothelioma tend to become similar. New symptoms can then develop as well, such as nerve problems or spitting up blood and mucus.
If such symptoms manifest, it is quite likely that some form of mesothelioma is present in the victim. Ideally, the disease would be caught prior to this advanced stage to prolong patient life and give the patient the best chance at effective treatment.
Q: How long after an asbestos exposure does it take for mesothelioma symptoms to show?
A: Sadly, it can take decades or more for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. As such, the disease can be quite difficult to diagnose and treat. For this reason, it is imperative that you talk to a lawyer and get justice and compensation that holds responsible parties accountable for causing such a deadly disease.
Our team at The Ledger Law Firm is here to discuss your case with a free consultation so you can take these steps after you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
