A Look At Mesothelioma Symptoms And Diagnoses
Each year in the United States thousands of people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is often caused by exposure to asbestos or exposure to certain cancer-causing chemicals. Although the number of new mesothelioma cases have declined over the years, many people continue to receive a diagnosis for this disease, leaving them to wonder how they got the disease and what their future might hold.
For more than 20 years, Satterley & Kelley PLLC has been helping individuals and families throughout Kentucky take the appropriate legal steps following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our experience handling a wide range of asbestos-related injury claims allows us to identify when an individual’s condition was caused by the negligence of another and whether it is possible to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
A Closer Look At The Mesothelioma Disease
There are actually four different types of mesothelioma, aptly named by their location within the body:
- Pleural mesothelioma (lungs)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
- Pericardial mesothelioma (heart)
- Testicular mesothelioma (testicles)
Symptoms of mesothelioma don’t just present themselves overnight. This form of cancer can take years to develop, meaning symptoms can come on gradually without a person realizing anything is wrong until it is in its advanced stages.
Determining exposure is key. Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in men who worked in jobs where exposure to asbestos was high. However, workers’ family members are also at risk of developing the disease as a result of exposure to the exposed worker’s asbestos-contaminated clothing in the household.
Common Symptoms Of Mesothelioma Based On Type
Common symptoms that may indicate a person has mesothelioma include:
- Pleural mesothelioma — Hoarseness in the throat, fatigue, fever or night sweats, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, indications of hypoxemia (low oxygen level) in the blood, fluid buildup in the lungs and difficulty swallowing
- Peritoneal mesothelioma — Fever, nausea, anemia, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, blood clots and low blood sugar levels
- Pericardial mesothelioma — Chest pain, fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, coughing and heart arrhythmia
- Testicular mesothelioma — Pain, fluid buildup and swelling
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
A doctor or cancer specialist are the best people to provide a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Detection of the disease often occurs with the help of:
- Imaging scans
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- PET scans
- Biopsies
- New blood tests
Depending on the stage at which the cancer has advanced, a medical professional may order several tests over time to determine the rate at which the disease is spreading. This is a key part in determining the type of treatment needed and how quickly action needs to be taken in order to eradicate the cancer cells.
We’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. The experienced attorneys at Satterley & Kelley PLLC have successfully recovered substantial compensation for mesothelioma victims throughout Kentucky. You too may have a right to compensation, and we can help you get it.
Let Us Be Your Boots On The Ground
If you or a loved one recently received a diagnosis for mesothelioma, or you work at a site known for asbestos exposure and are concerned about your risk of developing mesothelioma, make sure you understand your rights to compensation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can review your case and help you recover damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
To schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Louisville, call 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532). You may also complete our contact form if it’s more convenient.