Mesothelioma Symptoms

See Your Doctor If You Were Exposed to Asbestos and Have These Symptoms

If you were or may have been exposed to asbestos and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you contact your doctor.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Difficulty staying awake

These symptoms can indicate mesothelioma in its early stages. Mesothelioma that has had a chance to develop and spread could lead to the following, more severe symptoms:

• Low blood sugar
• Damage to the nerve’s in your face or arms
• Vein obstruction
• Severe and persistent throat hoarseness
• Inability to swallow without severe pain

Approximately 75% of mesothelioma patients have pleural mesothelioma, that is, cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma can affect the thin layer of tissue surrounding the heart or abdominal cavity. Symptoms will differ depending on which type of mesothelioma a patient has.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

About 90% of people who have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have developed what is called a pleural effusion. This is a condition characterized by a buildup of fluid between the lung tissue and chest tissue. Another common symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath, which is present in approximately 79% of pleural mesothelioma patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. Patients with this diagnosis most commonly experience symptoms such as ascites (fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity), weight loss / no appetite, and mild seizures.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer that affects the lining of the heart. Patients who develop this type of cancer often experience symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are similar to other, less severe cardiovascular symptoms, so thorough diagnostic testing is essential.

If you or a loved one has developed these symptoms after exposure to the carcinogen asbestos, contact a doctor and then get in touch with Worthington & Caron to discuss your legal rights and options.