Persons who may have been exposed to asbestos can be on the lookout for certain mesothelioma symptoms, under the guidance of their physician.

Basics of Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for manufacturing purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as countless other uses. While problems with exposure to asbestos were much more common prior to the 1970s, when asbestos regulations started being put in place, there is still a risk.

Most asbestos products left today are construction materials, such as corrugated sheeting and roofing tiles. This means that construction workers generally face the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

What is Asbestos Mesothelioma?

The microscopic fibers of asbestos can accumulate in the lungs, but quickly spreads to distant organs. Asbestos exposure can cause several critical health problems, including asbestos mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma can, in some cases, take decades to develop. Because of these factors, asbestos mesothelioma is commonly diagnosed at a late stage of development, which makes it significantly more dangerous for patients.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, and has been primarily associated with exposure to asbestos products.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Symptoms

There are a few key mesothelioma symptoms for persons exposed to asbestos to be on the lookout for. Some mesothelioma symptoms are easy to miss, because they are common symptoms of other diseases as well. For instance, symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulty can be indicative of mesothelioma.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are the following:

• Dry cough or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory complications
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Fever
• Anemia
• Muscle weakness
• Pleural effusions (build-up of fluid between the lungs and chest)

One major factor that keeps many people from recognizing a connection between their mesothelioma diagnosis and exposure to asbestos is the fact that mesothelioma symptoms can remain dormant for decades after initial exposure—sometimes up to 50 years. At this point, of course, the cancer has been allowed to quietly spread, which limits treatment options and increases the risk of death.

Filing an Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you believe you may be suffering from mesothelioma symptoms, you should tell your doctor and make note of your asbestos exposure.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with or died from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma cancer after exposure to asbestos or asbestos products, you may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or seek an asbestos fine. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of cancer like mesothelioma, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical bills and lost wages.