Mesothelioma is characterized by extreme pain. However, you may have other symptoms before the pain. Symptoms typically do not develop until 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. People who develop mesothelioma are not always aware that they have been exposed to asbestos, and that lack of knowledge can lead to a delayed diagnosis.
Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium which is the protective lining around the organs of the body. There are three types of mesothelioma, pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal, categorized by the area of the body affected. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma you have. Of course, you can have more than one type.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs. It is the most common type of mesothelioma. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, sometimes radiating to the shoulder, arm, or upper abdomen
- Weight loss
- Non-productive cough
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective sac around the heart. It is the least common form of mesothelioma. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Night sweats
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen and testicles. Symptoms can appear as digestive or breathing problems. They include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss, sometimes with an increase in waist size
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bowel obstruction
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Anemia
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Getting Help
If you are experiencing the symptoms of mesothelioma, talk to your doctor. Although there is no cure for the disease, an early mesothelioma diagnosis is your best chance of survival. Mesothelioma treatment is improving, and you may even be eligible for clinical trials, giving you access to the most advanced treatments available.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and have been diagnosed with any of the diseases related to it, you may very well deserve compensation. Click on your state on the above map to contact a mesothelioma lawyer in your state. Alternatively, please e-mail or call us at 1-877-LOSS RECOVER (567-7732) today to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer near you.