Mesothelioma Symptoms: What to Look For After Asbestos Exposure

From electricians and carpenters to painters and cement workers, a significant number of Americans have been exposed to asbestos on the job. The asbestos attorneys at Morgan & Morgan fight for compensation on behalf of workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Although mesothelioma has just one known cause — exposure to asbestos — its symptoms vary depending on where the disease is located and its stage of development. Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms usually don’t appear until the tumors on the mesothelium have spread, which can take between 20 and 50 years. As such, recognizing signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure early in the cancer’s development is nearly impossible.

To compound the problem, most of the early signs of mesothelioma are similar to those likely to be associated with other conditions. Symptoms may be ignored or mistaken for other common, minor ailments.

Early Stages of Mesothelioma

In the early stages of mesothelioma, patients often experience:

• Dry coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Fluid buildup around the lungs

Late Stages of Mesothelioma

As the disease progresses, patients often experience:

• Increased pain
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite

Different Types of Mesothelioma: Symptoms

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma, each defined by the location of the tumor. Unique symptoms accompany each type.

• Pleural Mesothelioma: Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs. Symptoms typically include breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, and fever.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen, is often accompanied by abdominal pain and swelling, bowel changes, and bloating.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Pericardial mesothelioma takes place in the lining of the heart. Patients typically experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Testicular Mesothelioma: Testicular mesothelioma affects the lining covering the testicle. Symptoms generally include scrotal swelling and testicular lumps.

Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney

Far too many American workers have encountered asbestos on the job. If you have experienced any of the symptoms above and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at work, contact Morgan & Morgan. Our family law firm fights for the rights of mesothelioma victims across the nation. Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys navigate mesothelioma claims from start to finish so you can focus on treatment while we concentrate on recovering the compensation you deserve. With a full legal team at your side, you’ll know you’re getting the best possible service and results. To learn more, schedule a free case evaluation now.