Do I have symptoms of mesothelioma?

As we age, it’s common to experience new sensations, aches, pains and less-than-perfect health. You may find that you suffer from colds and the flu more severely if you are over the age of 50, and you may find that your joints ache after being active.

Many of these aches and pains are merely symptoms of getting older, and they are usually not a sign of a serious illness. However, if you have been experiencing unpleasant symptoms in the last weeks or months, you should never hesitate to get it checked out by a doctor so you can rule out something more serious.

If you have had a career in construction, factory manufacturing or worked in a place where asbestos may have been present, you should always be aware of the warning signs of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and most notably, the only known cause is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can occur many years after the initial asbestos exposure, so it is important that you are aware of and watch out for the symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma.

Pain in the lower back or side of the chest

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the chest — usually the lining of the lungs. This can cause pain in the side of the chest or lower back.

Breathing issues

If you find that you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness or trouble swallowing, these could be symptoms of mesothelioma.

Digestive issues

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the term for mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the stomach. This could cause stomach pain, swelling of the abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and constipation.

There are several types of mesothelioma, and each type causes different symptoms. Therefore, if you are feeling unwell in any way, make sure that you see a medical professional.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be difficult news to bear, but it may be possible to gain workers’ compensation if you were exposed to asbestos at work, which can support you and your family financially.