California Mesothelioma Symptoms & Signs
Bay Area Asbestos Risks & Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdominal cavity and/or the outer lining of the heart. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
When asbestos is damaged, disturbed, mixed or handled, its particles become airborne and easy to inhale. Over time, inhaling asbestos particles can damage the lungs and the rest of the body, causing some people to develop mesothelioma.
Signs of Mesothelioma
For many patients, mesothelioma will remain latent, meaning that it develops without any noticeable symptoms until decades after the initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms finally do appear, usually in later stages of the cancer, they generally include:
- abdominal pain
- chronic coughing
- fatigue
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weight loss
- buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity
Keep in mind that the above symptoms usually indicate the presence of pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this cancer. Between 75 and 80% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which develops on the outer lining of the lungs.
Less common symptoms of mesothelioma, namely those related to pericardial mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the heart), may also include:
- arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- chest pain
- digestive problems
- fever
- night sweats
Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
While mesothelioma and lung cancer share some symptoms, they are, in fact, distinct conditions. Lung cancer, which starts inside the lung tissue, is caused by asbestos AND genetic factors, smoking, chewing tobacco and other lifestyle habits. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, originates in the tissue that lines the outside of the lungs and is caused exclusively by inhalation of asbestos particles.
Help for Mesothelioma Symptoms
People experiencing mesothelioma symptoms should see their doctor for a thorough examination and a proper diagnosis. To determine whether or not a patient suffers from mesothelioma, a doctor will gather the patient's history, including any history of asbestos exposure and family medical history. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will then perform a CT scan and a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Getting Legal Help
The Asbestos Legal Center helps mesothelioma victims obtain compensation for their losses from negligent parties. To learn more about your legal rights if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our firm today. We will be happy to answer your legal questions and inform you of your rights. For more information, click here to obtain a complimentary information packet.
California Mesothelioma Symptoms & Signs
Bay Area Asbestos Risks & Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdominal cavity and/or the outer lining of the heart. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
When asbestos is damaged, disturbed, mixed or handled, its particles become airborne and easy to inhale. Over time, inhaling asbestos particles can damage the lungs and the rest of the body, causing some people to develop mesothelioma.
Signs of Mesothelioma
For many patients, mesothelioma will remain latent, meaning that it develops without any noticeable symptoms until decades after the initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms finally do appear, usually in later stages of the cancer, they generally include:
- abdominal pain
- chronic coughing
- fatigue
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weight loss
- buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity
Keep in mind that the above symptoms usually indicate the presence of pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this cancer. Between 75 and 80% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which develops on the outer lining of the lungs.
Less common symptoms of mesothelioma, namely those related to pericardial mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the heart), may also include:
- arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- chest pain
- digestive problems
- fever
- night sweats
Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
While mesothelioma and lung cancer share some symptoms, they are, in fact, distinct conditions. Lung cancer, which starts inside the lung tissue, is caused by asbestos AND genetic factors, smoking, chewing tobacco and other lifestyle habits. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, originates in the tissue that lines the outside of the lungs and is caused exclusively by inhalation of asbestos particles.
Help for Mesothelioma Symptoms
People experiencing mesothelioma symptoms should see their doctor for a thorough examination and a proper diagnosis. To determine whether or not a patient suffers from mesothelioma, a doctor will gather the patient's history, including any history of asbestos exposure and family medical history. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will then perform a CT scan and a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Getting Legal Help
The Asbestos Legal Center helps mesothelioma victims obtain compensation for their losses from negligent parties. To learn more about your legal rights if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our firm today. We will be happy to answer your legal questions and inform you of your rights. For more information, click here to obtain a complimentary information packet.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
