Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma that you will experience will depend on several factors.  There are different types of mesothelioma, different stages of the disease, and different existing health conditions that all affect the symptoms of mesothelioma you will experience.

There are three different types of mesothelioma: peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial mesothelioma.  As mentioned, the symptoms of each are different.

Patients with pleural mesothelioma experience lower back pain, difficulty breathing, chronic cough and fatigue, just to name a few.  Those with peritoneal mesothelioma will experience symptoms including pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea or general fatigue.  Pericardial mesothelioma can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain and even heart palpitations.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can also vary depending on what stage of mesothelioma you are in.  There are different methods of determining how far the malignant mesothelioma has spread.  These cancerous cells have a tendency to spread rather quickly to neighboring areas.  If the mesothelioma is in the lungs causing shortness of breath, the cancer can spread to the throat causing swelling and even more difficulty breathing.  It is important to work with an experienced doctor.  Your doctor should have knowledge in the areas of asbestos-related diseases.  With this experience and knowledge, the doctor can better understand your symptoms and therefore, be able to better treat them.  There is no cure for mesothelioma, only treatment options to lessen pain and increase duration of life.  Do not hesitate to change doctors if you do not feel comfortable. 

Symptoms of mesothelioma will also depend on your current health condition.  Do you smoke and if so, how much and for how long?  If you have a health condition that has diminished your immune system, your symptoms of mesothelioma will be different.  The symptoms you experience can also depend on any previous surgeries or illnesses, as well as your family medical history.  It is best to talk openly with your doctor and to get a very thorough medical examination.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos, you need to contact an attorney today.  Since mesothelioma is caused by being exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time, it means that there is potential liability in relation to the person or the group that allowed for such conditions to exist.  You need to understand what your rights are and what you can do.  Contact an attorney that has experience in asbestos law to find out how your rights can be enforced and protected.