Mesothelioma is one of the many types of cancer. Unfortunately, just like any other form of cancer, mesothelioma can be quite aggressive. Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer. This cancer develops in the lining of the body’s organs. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used widely in various sectors because of its properties. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is rare and causes symptoms that can be associated with other common conditions, it can be challenging for someone to determine if they have this illness. In this article, we try to shed light on how someone can know if they have mesothelioma.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms can be hard to diagnose since they can mimic those of other more common diseases like pneumonia and the flu. That said, the following are some of the common signs and symptoms of mesothelioma;
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Buildup of chest fluid
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
Mesothelioma symptoms may vary according to several factors, including the type of mesothelioma and the patient’s cancer stage.
Also, it is crucial to note that mesothelioma symptoms usually do not show up immediately after asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. It can take up to more than sixty years for mesothelioma symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Therefore, a person may have mesothelioma for quite some time and not know it. For this reason, people need to review their history, determine if they might have come into contact with asbestos at some point, and alert their doctor of possible asbestos exposure.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
The only way for a person to determine if they have mesothelioma is by having a doctor diagnose their illness. Some of the diagnostic tests doctors conduct to detect signs of mesothelioma include;
- Chest X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- PET scans
After a doctor has conducted an imaging scan, they will better understand if and where mesothelioma may be present. However, imaging tests alone are not enough to diagnose mesothelioma. The only way to know if someone has mesothelioma is by performing a biopsy. This procedure entails taking a small tissue from a person’s body for examination in a laboratory. There are different types of biopsies. The right kind of biopsy depends on the specific situation and area of the body.
Second Opinions
While doctors are trained to diagnose illnesses accurately, a doctor can still make a mistake and misdiagnose a patient. It is highly recommendable to get a second opinion if you have or have not been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Because of how aggressive mesothelioma can be, early diagnosis is crucial. While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, detecting this form of cancer early means that a person can access treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation and improve their prognosis. If you or a loved one is concerned that they may have mesothelioma, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.