Mesothelioma Symptoms: Overlooked Signs

Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos particles enter the body, they cause this cancer to develop gradually, and it can take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to develop noticeably. Many of the early symptoms are overlooked or mistaken for symptoms of less serious conditions. It’s important to know how mesothelioma symptoms develop and what you should do if you are diagnosed with this condition.

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos particles. These particles are very small, sharp, and light, capable of remaining suspended in the air for hours or even days at a time. If they are inhaled or ingested, they will embed in the body and begin causing mesothelioma to develop.

Mesothelioma isn’t a very common form of cancer. There were only 2,803 new cases diagnosed in 2021, the most recent year with available data. For every 100,000 people in the United States, there was less than one new case of mesothelioma diagnosed in 2021. However, it is a serious diagnosis, and the disease is often unnoticed until the symptoms have become noticeable.

The latency period for mesothelioma to cause noticeable symptoms is years to decades. Symptoms can appear more rapidly with repeated and/or heavy exposure, but it can take many years before the victim realizes that something is wrong. Symptoms will vary based on the part of the body affected by mesothelioma, and the most common types are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdominal organs.

Pleural mesothelioma’s early symptoms typically mirror those of respiratory conditions like pneumonia. The victim may start experiencing a persistent cough that leads to shortness of breath and chest pain. Over time, lumps may form under the skin of the chest, and they will begin experiencing persistent fatigue and unexpected weight loss.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can begin with symptoms like persistent nausea, diminished appetite, unexpected weight loss, and abdominal pain. This form of mesothelioma’s symptoms can progress more rapidly, but by the time the disease has been diagnosed, it will already have reached a critical stage.

It is also possible for pericardial mesothelioma to develop around the tissues of the heart, but this and other forms of this cancer are very rare. The majority of cases diagnosed in the country each year are pleural mesothelioma, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma.

What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If your symptoms are confirmed to be mesothelioma, you could have multiple legal options available to you. Depending on how you developed the condition, you may have grounds to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust. Many companies that formerly produced asbestos products were required to create these trusts, and they continue to pay out many claims throughout the country each year. It’s also possible to have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit.

One of the most challenging aspects of a mesothelioma case is accurately determining when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos. The very long latency period of this disease means that you may have been exposed many years ago, so you will need help to accurately determine the source of your condition.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience representing individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma. We understand the level of work that goes into building these cases and have a proven record of successful representation for clients across several states. We are confident we can guide you to a positive result, so reach out to our team as soon as you can to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is not curable. This cancer develops very gradually, often over many years, and by the time it starts showing noticeable symptoms, it has already reached an advanced stage. The condition can be managed, however, with early detection and appropriate medical intervention. It is vital to accurately diagnose this condition as early as possible to have the optimal prognosis, but ultimately, mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis.

Q: What Is Life Expectancy After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: Life expectancy after mesothelioma diagnosis varies based on how early the disease is detected and whether it has spread to distant areas of the body. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized mesothelioma is about 24%, while the five-year survival rate when mesothelioma has spread to distant parts of the body is only about 7%. At all stages, the average five-year survival rate is about 12%.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?

A: The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma usually include persistent coughing, chest pain, tightness in the chest, lumps under the skin of the chest, and unexpected weight loss. These symptoms can escalate over time, and the early warning signs are sometimes mistaken for respiratory infections and other less serious conditions.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

A: The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include abdominal pain that increases in severity over time, abdominal swelling, nausea, and persistent fatigue. Weight loss is also common, and it is possible for the early symptoms of this form of mesothelioma to be misdiagnosed as stomach conditions, digestive disorders, or other less serious medical conditions.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. You may have legal options you would not have realized on your own, and the right attorney is an invaluable resource who can help you take full advantage of them. You may be eligible to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust and/or a toxic exposure lawsuit. You are more likely to succeed with these efforts and maximize your compensation with an attorney’s help.

Mesothelioma is a complex and terminal condition made worse by the fact that early mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for less serious diagnoses. Once these symptoms have appeared, however, the patient may have very little life expectancy remaining. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Wallace & Graham today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help.