Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
May 18, 2017
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the outer layer of tissue surrounding the internal organs (mesothelium). Understanding the symptoms of mesothelioma is critical to knowing when to seek medical attention.
As with many forms of cancer, the earlier mesothelioma is detected and treated, the better the prognoses and life expectancies will usually be.
Mesothelioma Symptoms by Type
The type and symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to where the malignancies develop. The following table presents the specific symptoms associated with each type of mesothelioma.
|
Type of Mesothelioma |
Nature of Malignancy |
Common Symptoms |
| Pleural mesothelioma | Affects the tissues around the lungs |
|
| Peritoneal mesothelioma | Affects the abdominal tissues |
|
| Pericardial mesothelioma | Affects the tissues around the heart |
|
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this condition, accounts for about 3 out of every 4 mesothelioma diagnoses.
Mesothelioma Symptoms by Stage
The stage mesothelioma can also impact the type and severity of symptoms experienced. The degree to which mesothelioma has progressed will define which condition’s stage upon diagnosis. These stages include:
- Stage 1 mesothelioma – This is the earliest stage, which is usually marked by fewer, milder symptoms. Because mesothelioma tends to have a long latency period, it can take years (even decades) for early-stage symptoms to develop. When they do develop, it’s not uncommon for these symptoms to be mistaken for other conditions.
- Stage 2 mesothelioma – At this stage, the mesothelioma has spread past its point of origination. This stage can be marked by chronic coughing and breathing problems. As with Stage 1, these symptoms are relatively mild and commonly misattributed to other conditions.
- Stage 3 mesothelioma – The symptoms at this more advanced stage cause pain and discomfort. This is the stage when most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Stage 4 mesothelioma – In this last stage, the symptoms are severe and tend to impact multiple parts and systems of the body.
At Stages 3 and 4, mesothelioma may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Signs that mesothelioma has spread can include (and are not limited to):
- Chronic hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Nerve complications affecting the head, eye or facial nerves.
What to Do When You Experience Mesothelioma Symptoms
Seek medical care as soon as you recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma. If you are not diagnosed with mesothelioma:
- Consider getting a second (and maybe third) professional opinion. Subsequent opinions can confirm an initial diagnosis or uncover a misdiagnosis. They can also reveal new important findings about your condition.
- Closely monitor your symptoms to see if they improve or worsen.
Once an official diagnosis has been made and treatment has been started, meeting with a lawyer can be another important part of the recovery process.
An attorney can evaluate your situation and help you determine if asbestos exposure (or any form of preventable negligence) may have contributed to your condition. If so, a lawyer can explain your options for financial recovery and help you start pursue them.
While compensation cannot eliminate the condition, it can be important to covering all necessary treatment costs so mesothelioma patients can focus on healing.
Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm
A Houston personal injury lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm is ready to help you figure out if asbestos exposure at work (or somewhere else) contributed to your mesothelioma.
Call (713) 352-7975 or email us to set up a free consultation and get the information you need to get on the path to recovery and justice.
Our record of success and exceptional representation has earned us 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.