Mesothelioma is a serious and oftentimes fatal illness that is brought on by exposure to asbestos. As this blog recently discussed, the symptoms of mesothelioma can develop over time and may become noticeable only years, or even decades after the patient was exposed to asbestos.
Varied effects
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma can, however, impact the body in different ways. General symptoms of mesothelioma include fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, weight loss, blood clots and loss of appetite. Victims suffering from mesothelioma in their chest may experience pain in the side of the chest or their lower back, shortness of breath, cough, difficulty suffering, hoarseness and swelling in the face and arms.
The early symptoms of mesothelioma may be missed or may be mistaken for other problems. Victims may initially mistake the symptoms of mesothelioma for other common more minor ailments. Most victims of mesothelioma have symptoms for at least a couple of months prior to their diagnosis.
Extensive treatment
Victims of mesothelioma may need medical care including a variety of different cancer treatments and surgery. Their physical, financial and emotional damages can be significant, and can affect their entire families.
It is important that victims of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma are properly diagnosed and receive the treatment and care they need. It is also important for victims and their families to be aware of the personal injury legal resources that may be available to help victims with the damages they have suffered associated with their asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis.