5 Signs You Might Have Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma
- July 7, 2018
- Sandy
Often, when people hear about Asbestos, they think of it to be the causation of diseases in the past. Much like how many people think of Polio or Scarlet fever.
But this isn’t so according to the National Cancer Institute. Every year, 3,000 Americans receive a Mesothelioma diagnosis. This is about one in every one hundred thousand.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by one thing: Asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms are worrisome. Because the early stages look like less severe illness, it is often misdiagnosed.
Read on to learn about the five Mesothelioma symptoms to look out for.
1. Mesothelioma Symptoms Hide in Plain Sight
Some of the most common symptoms of Mesothelioma are like that of a cold, asthma, or the flu.
People may suffer from:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Nonstop coughing
The early signs of Mesothelioma are so common for other sicknesses. So many people will wait over six months before going to see a doctor in Los Angeles.
It is not uncommon, historically, to wait a long time before seeing a medical professional. Since early Hollywood, many beloved actors unknowingly had Asbestos-related cancers. This was because of how commonplace Asbestos was on sets as scenery or props.
2. Mesothelioma Takes Away Your Breath Away
Some of the earlier signs of Mesothelioma show up in your breathing patterns.
People in Stages One and Two of Mesothelioma may suffer from:
- Shortness of breath (also known as dyspnea)
- Pleural effusions (fluid buildup)
- Chest pain caused by breathing struggles
This discomfort in your lungs is Pleural effusions and inflammation. It is the main cause of pain and discomfort caused by Mesothelioma.
But again, Pleural effusions are common in several other diseases. Tuberculosis, COPD, Pneumonia, and even a bad infection can cause it. So, this, of course, makes it even harder to recognize in its earlier stages.
3. A Large Indicator of Mesothelioma: Weight Loss
Like so many other types of cancer, Mesothelioma can cause dramatic weight loss.
There are many factors that could lead to this weight loss. This weight loss (like a lot of other symptoms) is often ignored by several doctors at first. But as the disease worsens, so do the dramatic effects of the weight loss.
Some of the weight loss is due to symptoms and how they are affecting daily living. Often, when people are sick or struggle breathing: eating is not on their priority list.
But with Malignant Mesothelioma, it is different. A lot of the weight loss is the result of how the cancer is affecting the organs it is in or near.
So make sure you are paying attention to how much weight you are losing and how fast you are losing it.
4. A Large Sign of Mesothelioma: Your Age
Not to point out the obvious, but it is rare that most of us get healthier as we age.
Asbestos is a containment that most bodies have been breathing in for years. Thousands of products for a long time had Asbestos fibers in them. Including several of the ones found in houses we all grew up in.
Yes, in 1989 Asbestos became banned. But even with that ban, it is still detected in contemporary company’s products.
Luckily, for most people, your body was able to breathe out a majority of the Asbestos fibers. Think of your lungs like you would an air conditioning filter. It can catch most of the dust, but not all.
So, most people’s bodies have accumulated small amounts over the years.
Asbestos was used in over 5000 products before its banishment. And it also was a product used to build houses from the 1930s until the late 1970s.
So, if you grew up in a home that had Asbestos in it, your chances of having Mesothelioma are much higher.
5. Localized Mesothelioma Symptoms
When Mesothelioma spreads, it causes symptoms that still seem like other common issues. Several cases of Mesothelioma spread to the lining of the abdomen. This lining, called the peritoneum, will suffer from the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
It may also cause swelling or an abnormal mass in the scrotum. This is because the peritoneum connects to both areas.
Don’t Be a Statistic: Listen to Your Body
Mesothelioma is a very tricky type of cancer. This is because its symptoms are as common as other non-life threatening illnesses.
But it is pivotal that you pay attention to and listen to your body. Mesothelioma symptoms often go ignored. And for many people, they are already in Stage 3 or 4 before it’s detected.
If you find yourself struggling to breathe, if you have a cough or exhaustion that won’t go away: do not ignore it.
Make an appointment with your Los Angeles doctor. And talk to them about your chances of having Mesothelioma.
Have questions about Mesothelioma or other Asbestos-related illnesses? Contact The Barnes Firm Los Angeles attorneys for a free consultation today!
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