What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer usually caused by asbestos. It may affect many parts of the body, but pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas are the most common. The symptoms vary depending on the cancer’s location and how advanced it is.
Satterley & Kelley PLLC helps people with mesothelioma and their families throughout Kentucky. We advise them of their rights to compensation, counsel them on how the legal system works, and represent them in legal actions against those responsible for causing their disease. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, call our office at 800-655-2117 today.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, tissue making up the lining of cavities that surround and protect specific organs. This tissue forms:
- The pleura, which encases your lungs.
- The peritoneum, which surrounds organs in your abdomen and pelvic area
Most mesothelioma cases are of the pleura.
Who Normally Gets Mesothelioma?
It’s associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in many industries. It’s now strictly regulated in the US and outlawed in many other countries. The greater your asbestos exposure, the more the chance you’ll develop mesothelioma, though there’s a risk of contracting it even with minimal asbestos exposure. The delay between exposure and developing mesothelioma could take decades.
Those who worked in the following occupations are more at risk because they likely were exposed to asbestos on the job:
- Power Plant workers
- Automobile Mechanics-particularly those who removed and installed brakes and clutches
- Tile manufacturing plants
- Plastic molding plants
- Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Construction, especially those who worked with insulation
- Demolition
- Shipbuilding
- Mining
- Milling
- Aircraft mechanics
- Military veterans who served on ships that used asbestos insulation
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The most common cause of mesothelioma in adults is past asbestos fiber and dust exposure. In fact, asbestos exposure is the only widely accepted cause of mesothelioma. It’s estimated that 70% to 80% of people with mesothelioma had asbestos exposure, primarily due to their jobs. Many cases involve family members of workers who brought asbestos fibers home on their work clothing unknowingly exposing their spouse and children. Mesothelioma may take more than 20 years to develop.
How Many People Get Mesothelioma?
There are roughly 3,000 to 4,000 new diagnoses in the US annually, 2,500 of which are malignant pleural mesothelioma cases.
What are Mesothelioma’s Symptoms?
You may have the disease but no symptoms, which vary from person to person and the type of mesothelioma. Early symptoms include:
- Fevers
- Malaise or generally feeling unwell and without energy
- Night sweats
- Unexpected weight loss
- Blood clots
- Weakness
People with Pleural Mesothelioma experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath that develops slowly and worsens over time
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest and back pain
- Coughing
- Fluid in the lungs
- Lumps in the chest
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include
- Anemia
- Abdominal pain
- Fluid in the abdomen and swelling
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Intestinal blockage
- Vomiting and nausea
What Should I Do If I Have These Symptoms?
The chances are slim you have mesothelioma, but you should find out if you do. Set an appointment with your physician, tell them about your past asbestos exposure, and that you think you’re showing signs of the disease. That should start the process of further testing to reveal what’s causing your problems.
Get Legal Help from Attorneys You Can Trust
If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, call Satterley & Kelley PLLC today at 800-655-2117. You’re dealing with a lot, and we want to lighten your load by seeking compensation that can help you and your family. We will deal with the legal claims so you can focus on your family and treatment.