What are Common Mesothelioma Symptoms?

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Mostly developed from asbestos exposure, the survival rate is less than 50 percent after only two years from diagnosis. Worse yet, if the cancer is found to have spread elsewhere, the survival rate drops further to about 26 percent. There are several reasons for the bleak survival rate: the cancer is very aggressive, development of the disease can take decades, and symptoms differ case by case and are numerous. Early treatment is extremely important to give a patient the best chance of surviving. There are common mesothelioma symptoms to look out for.

To treat mesothelioma as early as possible, identifying symptoms is key. The symptoms of mesothelioma are vast; they differ from patient to patient and are very similar to other deadly diseases, such as pneumonia. There are also three different types of mesothelioma: pleural, affecting the lung lining; pericardial, which affects the lining around the heart; and peritoneal, which affects the abdominal tissue. It is imperative to see your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:

• During the early stages of mesothelioma, patients experience weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, persistent cough, and excessive and abnormal sweating, such as night sweats.
• Patients with pleural mesothelioma experience back pain, facial swelling and difficulty swallowing. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining in the lungs and is the most common form.
• Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma experience vomiting, stomach pain, abdominal swelling, constipation, and nausea.
• Those diagnosed with the pericardial form will feel chest pain, shortness of breath, and abnormal heart rhythms or patterns.

Three thousand new cases of mesothelioma develop each year in the United States, but full development of the cancer can take more than 10 to 50 years, limiting the chances of early treatment. Though research has shown that mesothelioma can be caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos and similar substances, the decades-long journey from first exposure to diagnosis is not as easy to explain.

Researchers have known for years that most mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos; exposure causes inflammation and genetic damage to cells. There have been smaller cases of mesothelioma developing from exposure to radiation and even the SV40 virus. Luckily, there is a theory that proposes that a person’s genetic makeup and physiological state affects how much the asbestos exposure causes the cellular mutation, which then develops into mesothelioma. Any knowledge about mesothelioma can dramatically help those diagnosed with this deadly cancer.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Defend Those Exposed to Asbestos

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Our experienced lawyers will help you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 215-569-4000 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.