Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops over a long period of time and tends not to show symptoms until it’s in the late stages. This makes early detection extremely difficult, and since mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other, more common illnesses, like pneumonia, when they do show up, it’s usually misdiagnosed. The only way to get a clear diagnosis is by visiting a specialist.
If you’ve been dealing with an illness and are wondering if it might be mesothelioma, or if you haven’t considered that possibility, here are several factors to think about.
Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma
There is only one known cause for mesothelioma, and that’s asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that looks like a fine powder but has extremely sharp, jagged edges at a microscopic level. These jagged fibers can end up lodged in tissue, mainly the lungs and abdomen, where they spend years creating irritation and inflammation that eventually develops into tumors.
If you have the following symptoms and you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, see a specialist right away
- Fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen accompanied by pain
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
There are some other symptoms that can arise in time with later stages of this disease, so it’s important to get checked out by a mesothelioma specialist if you suspect this could be what you’re dealing with.
There are many ways you can be exposed to asbestos
Asbestos can be found in a variety of materials, including insulation, vinyl floor tiles, fire-resistant ceiling coatings, vehicle braking systems, and more. It has unique and strong heat-resistant properties, which is why it’s been used for various heat-sensitive applications for decades.
Just because you’ve never been told about asbestos doesn’t mean you weren’t exposed. The possibility of having been exposed to asbestos is particularly high if you work or have worked in construction, as an auto mechanic, or have been in the military.
Mesothelioma takes decades to become apparent
If you’ve noticed some symptoms here and there but nothing major, it might not be much of anything to worry about. However, if you feel like your instinct is telling you that something is going on beneath the surface, it won’t hurt to get checked out by a doctor.
It can take decades, sometimes up to 30 or 40 years, for mesothelioma symptoms to become noticeable. If you know you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past and you’re experiencing common mesothelioma symptoms, don’t wait to be seen by a medical professional because you’ll want to start treatment as soon as possible.
Getting treatment fast is ideal
The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be. If you suspect you might have mesothelioma, see a specialist to get a thorough check-up and diagnosis fast. Once the symptoms of mesothelioma become apparent, the cancer is likely in a later stage and you’ll need to act fast to have the best outcome.
There are several different treatments available for mesothelioma, but the main one is surgery. The faster you get diagnosed, the sooner you can schedule surgery if that’s an option for your particular situation. You may also be eligible for other treatments like radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
If you have mesothelioma, contact an attorney
If you end up getting diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an attorney as soon as possible because you might be eligible for compensation. Many people have won large settlements after a diagnosis, and it’s the only option you have for recourse.
Although there are known health risks associated with asbestos, and it’s been proven to cause cancer, it’s not entirely banned in the United States. Legislation that would have banned it completely was rejected, and so now it’s only regulated.
New asbestos materials can’t be imported or created, but existing materials, along with some exceptions to the rule, can still be used. Also, existing asbestos insulation isn’t required to be removed or even disclosed in many cases.
Since there are no laws against the existence of mesothelioma, your only option is to sue the manufacturer of the materials containing asbestos. For that, you’ll need a skilled attorney. Don’t wait. Get a consultation as soon as possible to get the compensation you deserve.
