What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Catching the signs of mesothelioma early can make a huge difference in your treatment journey and overall life. Our mesothelioma lawyers have outlined the key symptoms of mesothelioma you should look for if you think you might have the medical condition.

If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis, our team of attorneys can help you understand the legal process and advocate for your rights to compensation. We offer free case consultations where we can tell you if you have a valid mesothelioma case.

Mesothelioma Symptoms to Watch For

When determining if you could have mesothelioma, there are several symptoms you need to account for before meeting with one of our mesothelioma lawyers. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (also called mesothelioma of the chest) include the following:

Swelling of arms and face
Lower back or chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Coughing
Hoarse voice
Shortness of breath

General Symptoms That May or May Not Be Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Again, although other medical problems generally cause these symptoms, you should not ignore or disregard them. Especially for people exposed to asbestos, it is very important to seek medical attention if you experience the below symptoms.

The general symptoms that may or may not be symptomatic of mesothelioma include:

Blood clots
Fever
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Excessive sweating
Unexplained weight loss

Early Detection of Pleural Mesothelioma

Any cancer condition benefits significantly from early detection, and mesothelioma is no different. An earlier diagnosis opens the potential for more treatment options than would be available at a later diagnosis.

Although doctors do not recommend mesothelioma screening tests for individuals who are not at high risk for developing cancer, this is not the case for people who have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure greatly heightens a person’s risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Many members of the medical industry recommend that such individuals undergo regular imaging tests to check for signs of cancer in the outer covering of the lungs.

These imaging tests may also reveal lung cancer, which is another risk for people who have been exposed to asbestos. If you believe you exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, speak with a doctor immediately to secure a diagnosis.

What Doctors Look for in an Imaging Test

Generally, your doctor will order specific types of imaging tests to further diagnose or check the status of mesothelioma. Using these imaging tests, doctors will:

Get a better look at areas suspected of being cancerous.
Check to see if the cancer has spread and, if so, how far.
Evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment you have undergone.
Check for the return of cancer after treatment.

Types of Imaging Tests Used to Diagnose Mesothelioma

Doctors can choose from various imaging tests, each suited for particular needs in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. Some of these imaging tests include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: These images give the doctor detailed images of your soft tissues.
Chest X-rays: A doctor might use a chest X-ray to determine if the pleura thickens and check for fluid or calcium deposits.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: These images present views of your body in “slices,” and they facilitate in pinpointing the exact location of any cancer, determining if it is spreading, and evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Echocardiogram: Using this heart ultrasound, the doctor can check whether your heart is functioning normally and see if any fluid has built up around it.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: By introducing radioactive sugars into your body, your doctor can spot any pleural thickening and determine whether it is scar tissue or cancer. The radioactive glow can also help the doctor track any spreading.

Connecting Symptoms to Asbestos Exposure: Building a Strong Legal Case

Connecting the symptoms of mesothelioma to a history of asbestos exposure is a crucial step in building a strong legal case. As experienced mesothelioma lawyers, we understand the intricate relationship between asbestos exposure and the development of this aggressive cancer. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma seek the compensation they deserve.

When you experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, it is essential to consider any potential asbestos exposure in your past. Our knowledgeable attorneys can assist you in establishing a clear link between your symptoms and the asbestos-containing products or environments you encounter. We work closely with medical experts and investigators to gather evidence to support your case and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and suspect a history of asbestos exposure, our team can give you a free legal consultation. By discussing your case with our dedicated team, you can better understand your legal options and the potential for pursuing compensation.

Mesothelioma Patients Could Be Eligible for Compensation

You could receive compensation if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos. A mesothelioma victim who pursues a lawsuit may be eligible to recover various damages related to their condition. These damages can include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium
Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)

It is important to consult with a mesothelioma lawyer who can assess the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process to seek the appropriate compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Contact Us To Start Your Mesothelioma Case Today With Our Lawyers

Our mesothelioma lawyers at Zanes Law are ready to take on your mesothelioma case and hold the appropriate parties responsible for your financial and non-financial damages. We want you to recover physically with the financial means necessary.