Asbestos exposure long-term or in heavy amounts can cause a rare and deadly type of cancer called mesothelioma. About 2,000 individuals are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the U.S. and the forecast for this illness is normally poor given that it tends to be undiagnosed until it has reached advanced stages.
Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have one of three types, depending on where the cancer first developed:
Pleural mesothelioma – This is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about three-quarters of all cases. Developing in lining of the lungs is pleural mesothelioma and may span out from there. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma usually includes shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, a dry cough, tiredness and loss in weight. As with other types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 to 50 years to appear.
Peritoneal mesothelioma – This rarer type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity, where it causes such symptoms as stomach pain and swelling, vomiting, bowel obstruction, weight loss and fatigue.
Pericardial mesothelioma – The third type of mesothelioma is referred to as pericardial mesothelioma and it develops in the lining of the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include palpitations of the heart, pain in the chest and shortness of breath.
Due to the fact that symptoms of these types of mesothelioma are so broad, the disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as a benign illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Those who have been exposed to asbestos exposure and is now experiencing weird symptoms should seek the medical attention of a doctor and advise them of your history with asbestos.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma requires not only the patient’s history, but also a battery of tests such as x-rays, biopsy, MRI and CT scan. Once a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, the patient and doctor can discuss treatment options, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alternative therapies or participation in a clinical trial.
Mesothelioma can be expensive and some individuals may be entitled for compensation for medical bills and other losses such as pain and suffering, wages lost and loss of companionship. A mesothelioma attorney can inform you of your legal rights if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Speak with a mesothelioma lawyer at our law firm now for an evaluation of your claim at no charge and learn about your legal options.