Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Diseases related to asbestos exposure are often deadly, so if you or a loved has been diagnosed with asbestos-caused disease such as mesothelioma, a personal injury lawyer  from the Locks Law Firm can help you achieve justice and obtain the compensation you need for long-term medical care, pain and suffering, and the other hardships you face.

At the Locks Law Firm, our Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers understand what mesothelioma victims and victims of workplace exposure to asbestos look for in an attorney: a tough, competent individual with extensive experience litigating asbestos-related cases. Our mesothelioma lawyers provide highly skilled representation backed by the resources of an established, successful firm. Our lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, and they can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.

Types of Mesothelioma

Types of mesothelioma are named based on the area of the body affected. Mesothelioma can develop as a benign tumor or it can be malignant. Pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma are the most common types of mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is always deadly, and it is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma affects the mesothelium – two membranes that line the cavity containing the lungs. In advanced cases, tumors develop, and like other cancers, malignant pleural mesothelioma may metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. About three out of four individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are affected by pleural mesothelioma. Statistically, Caucasian males who have suffered occupational exposure to asbestos are the most likely to contract pleural mesothelioma. Because the disease may not manifest for 20 to 50 years after exposure, it is difficult to predict when or whether it will develop.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the disease, affecting about two of every ten mesothelioma patients diagnosed each year. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. For this reason, peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes also called abdominal mesothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma, the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are easily confused with symptoms of less serious medical conditions. Therefore, you should be very clear with your doctor if you have any kind of history of asbestos exposure at home or in the workplace.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium – mesothelial tissue lining the cavity containing the heart and the major vessels that supply blood to the circulatory system. 
Pericardial mesothelioma is considered to be the most painful form of the disease. As pericardial mesothelioma develops, fluid begins to build up around the heart. As this fluid buildup  — called “pericardial effusion” — progresses, pressure increases around the heart, causing progressively serious chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. A patient who has pericardial mesothelioma can expect to suffer through expensive treatment and a long, painful fight.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos and are invariably deadly. If you were subjected to long-term asbestos exposure and are now suffering from mesothelioma, you need a skilled, dedicated lawyer to help you achieve justice and compensation for the enormous medical costs, pain and suffering, and other hardships you are facing. Contact a Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Because of the deadly nature of mesothelioma, the earlier symptoms are identified and a diagnosis is made, the better the chances are that treatment will have some success. Tragically, treatment of mesothelioma at any stage in its development is likely to be long, painful, and arduous, and most patients eventually succumb in spite of receiving the very best treatment available.

Mesothelioma presents a variety of symptoms as it develops. However, many mesothelioma symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease's development, are easily mistaken for those of more common, less deadly conditions. Because of this, making an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult.

Mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Fluid buildup (effusion) around the mesothelial tissue, which may cause pain, swelling, and other conditions
• Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and wheezing
• Anemia and general weakness
• Tumors and growths

Specific types of mesothelioma may manifest other symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, may cause chest pain and pronounced breathing difficulties. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal area, may cause weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects tissue surrounding the heart, may cause heart palpitations and acute chest pain.

If you have a past history of asbestos exposure and are exhibiting any of the symptoms described on this page, it is important that you schedule and appointment with your doctor immediately and let him or her know about your exposure to the dangerous substance. If a positive mesothelioma diagnosis is made, or if you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with the deadly disease, your next step is to contact the Locks Law Firm so that our Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers can help you attain the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact Our Mesothelioma Lawyers

Our Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We will protect your rights as a victim and provide expert guidance through the legal process. The Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey lawyers provide skillful representation to tri-state-area clients. Contact the Locks Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.