MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Mesothelioma symptoms can appear 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos

November 8, 2010 - Decades after exposure to asbestos, a former New York City sanitation worker started experiencing breathing problems (one of several mesothelioma symptoms). After seeing a doctor, he learned that he had a tumor that was over 10 centimeters long. The tumor was indicative of pleural mesothelioma (or lung mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma symptoms can appear 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms that appear depend on the type of mesothelioma a person has. Additionally, mesothelioma symptoms are common to other less serious health problems, thus making diagnosis more difficult.

Mesothelioma symptoms develop when damage and scarring from the inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to stiffness in lung tissue to the point where lungs can't contract and expand normally.

Due to the non-specific nature of mesothelioma symptoms, it is important that you see a doctor and get regularly tested for mesothelioma if you have been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms of asbestos exposure should be caught early. Early detection of asbestos disease ensures eligibility for a wider variety of treatment options and a greater chance of recovery.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma represents about 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleural cavity is caused by the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. Its symptoms are dry cough, coughing of blood, chest pain, difficulty with breathing, difficulty with swallowing, night sweats and fatigue. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen, aka: the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 15 percent of all types of mesothelioma cases. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, formation of lumps of tissue in the abdomen, weight loss, diarrhea and constipation.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma affects tissue surrounding the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of the disease, and it affects the linings of the heart cavity. Less than 10 percent of all types of mesothelioma cases are related to the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty with breathing, fatigue, irregular heart beat, fever and chest pain. Because this type of mesothelioma is so rare, there is limited information on the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis

This type of mesothelioma is also known as testicular mesothelioma because it develops in the tissue surrounding the testicles. Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma. As a result, there is limited information concerning its symptoms. It is usually detected from the presence of a mass on the testicle.

All these types of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure, and most often by job-related asbestos exposure. Retired workers from the construction, automotive and maritime industries make up the vast majority of mesothelioma cases today.

What should I do if I am experiencing any of the symptoms described above?

If you are experiencing the symptoms described above, keep in mind that mesothelioma is a rare cancer and you should consult a doctor and discuss your previous exposure to asbestos. You should also know that people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have worked with asbestos products or were household members of asbestos industry workers.

Asbestos industry workers include mechanics, plumbers, sheet metal workers, electricians, construction workers and boilermakers. Household members of such workers who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos through activities such as washing the clothes of asbestos industry workers. If you would like more information on mesothelioma now, download our asbestos sourcebook by clicking here: I want the Asbestos Sourcebook.

Weitz & Luxenberg champions the American worker

Since 1986, Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have dedicated themselves to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma patients. Thousands of people die from the cancer each year in the U.S. because they were recklessly exposed to asbestos by companies in the asbestos industry.

Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys have won millions of dollars in mesothelioma cases. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our lawyers for a free and confidential case review by completing the form on this page.