More and more individuals are worried about asbestos exposure in their past. From consumer products to construction materials, asbestos fibers were used to protect people from fire and extreme heat. Unfortunately, as those products broke down and deteriorated, individuals could inhale the asbestos fibers resulting in serious lung diseases. One such lung disease is mesothelioma.
Of all the different types of mesothelioma, the most common is pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma generally occurs in four distinct stages that are commonly characterized as Early-Stage (stages 1 and 2) and Late-Stage (stages 3 and 4). While every situation is unique, there are common symptoms that individuals struggling with a mesothelioma diagnosis might face:
- Symptoms common to early-stage pleural mesothelioma: In early-stage pleural mesothelioma, sufferers might struggle with symptoms that could mimic those of other illnesses. Common symptoms can include shortness of breath, a persistent and dry cough, unexplained fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
- Symptoms common to late-stage pleural mesothelioma: As the disease progresses, the symptoms tend to increase in severity. Generally, the early-stage symptoms can manifest in a dangerous way. Common examples of symptoms can include blood clotting disorders, coughing up blood, subcutaneous lumps on the chest, noticeable weight loss, fever and excessive sweating.
Unfortunately, an early, accurate mesothelioma diagnosis might be complicated by numerous shared symptoms. In fact, numerous conditions share several symptoms with mesothelioma. These conditions can include bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is wise to seek medical and legal guidance as soon as possible.