Many people who spent their lives supporting their families by working in the industrial sector now suffer from physical injuries and severe illnesses. This is often the result of exposure to harsh chemicals or other hazardous substances that have a long-term impact on your health. One common example is mesothelioma, which is the result of exposure to asbestos.

It is essential that you be able to recognize many of the common mesothelioma symptoms. This can allow you to seek out the medical care necessary to prolong your life and take legal action. Speaking with a lawyer after recognizing your symptoms or receiving a diagnosis could help you to seek out the compensation that you deserve.

Mesothelioma is a Type of Malignant Cancer

Mesothelioma results from exposure to asbestos. This useful but dangerous substance contains trillions of small fibers that are released from any asbestos-containing product and float through the air. Workers in the area then inhale these fibers, which later become lodged in their airways or other internal organs. Depending upon which organs are affected, doctors separate mesothelioma into two main categories.

Pleural Mesothelioma

This is a mesothelioma that impacts the lining around a person’s lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lumps under the skin of the chest
  • Painful coughing
  • Weight loss

People experiencing these symptoms should reach out to a doctor immediately, as a faster diagnosis allows for a quicker start of treatment.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This is a rarer form of mesothelioma that affects the lining around the abdomen. Potential signs of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Stomach swelling
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss

Only a trained doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. After receiving a diagnosis, reach out to a lawyer as quickly as possible to get the ball rolling on a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.

Mesolthelioma can also occur in the lining around the heart (pericardium) and testes (scrotum).

Connecting a Person’s Symptoms to Time Spent on the Job

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a serious moment that will have repercussions for the rest of a person’s life. They will need support of every kind to protect themselves and their families.

Thankfully, it may be possible to collect compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis through a workers’ compensation claim or a related personal injury lawsuit. Employers and product manufacturers are responsible for the injuries or illnesses that affect workers, and this includes disease diagnoses connected to workers doing their jobs.

The risks of working with asbestos, and its connection with symptoms of mesothelioma, are well-recognized in both the medical and legal communities. A skilled attorney can help affected workers connect their symptoms to time spent on the job and take the lead in pursuing fair compensation.

Recognizing Mesothelioma Symptoms is Key to Receiving Proper Care and Protecting your Legal Rights

Mesothelioma affects every patient differently. However, there are some common signs that can indicate the onset of this disease that should motivate people to seek out medical care.

Mesothelioma in the lungs often causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, or painful coughing. This disease can also affect your stomach, heart, or testicles. Here, you may experience stomach pain, stomach swelling, or unexpected weight loss.

If you are experiencing these mesothelioma symptoms, seek out an appointment with your doctor right away. If the visit results in a diagnosis, an attorney could help you to evaluate your legal options. Call today to learn more.