Mesotheloma Symptoms | Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesotheloma, correctly spelled mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the thin layer of cells that line the body’s internal organs.

Pleura mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. It may also develop in the peritoneum (Peritoneal Mesothelioma), the lining of the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, which lines the heart.

Most people who have been diagnosed with mesotheloma (mesothelioma) develop it from asbestos exposure. It must be noted that it’s not only from direct asbestos exposure. Second hand exposure can cause mesothelioma, for instance, a family member may have worked around asbestos, and brought the fibers into the house. Another chance of second hand exposure is when the clothes are washed, and spread to the clothes of other family members.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or fluid build up
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or anemia
• Frequent coughing

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma diagnosis must begin with a visit to the doctor. The patient would explain the symptoms they were having, any recent activity that may have caused it, work history, and of course, past asbestos exposure. The next step is an image scan using either an x-ray, CT Scan, or MRI. If mesothelioma is still a concern, the doctor will then have the tissues tested to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This is also known as a biopsy. If area of concern is the abdomen, the doctor will often make a small incision, and using a special tool remove tissue from the abdominal cavity. If the chest is the concern, the doctor can perform a similar procedure in the chest area.

If the scan proves the patient has mesothelioma cancer, the next step is deciding on which treatment is appropriate. Most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Mesothelioma Lawyers and Legal Issues

The first lawsuits regarding asbestos were as early as 1929. Since then there have been numerous lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and employers who didn’t implement safety measures to minimize asbestos exposure.

The first step one should take if they believe they have mesothelioma cancer is to visit the doctor. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other health issues, so mesothelioma must be confirmed. Treatment should be decided upon and begun as soon as possible.

The next step is speaking to a mesothelioma lawyer. There are lawyers all over North America who specialize in mesothelioma. A quick search in google will find numerous lawyers in all regions of Canada and the US.

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