Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily because a victim’s symptoms typically develop over long periods of time. In many cases, symptoms may not appear until 10 to 60 years after the victim is exposed to asbestos. In addition, many symptoms of the disease are not specific to mesothelioma, leading some health care providers to examine whether a particular patient suffers from a medical condition other than mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a rare disease, many doctors are not familiar with it.

If you or a loved one in the Finger Lakes region of New York has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the asbestos injury lawyers of Belluck & Fox, LLP, today. Our mesothelioma attorneys handle asbestos disease cases in every county in New York, including those in the Finger Lakes region. We are committed to providing personalized and professional legal services, and we can advise you and your family of your legal options.

For more information, use our online contact form or call Belluck & Fox, LLP’s mesothelioma lawyers toll-free at 877-MESOTHELIOMA (637-6843).

Mesothelioma – Early Detection Critical

It is tragic that mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because early detection of the disease is critical to selecting the most effective treatment options. Early detection gives a patient the best chance for a favorable long-term outcome in responding to this aggressive cancer. Many procedures are available to accurately diagnose mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can cause the symptoms described in detail below. In general, early symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those of pneumonia. The signs of mesothelioma vary depending on what part of the body is affected by the cancer.

This information is provided for your information only, and should not take the place of a full medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, you should consult your doctor right away.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural Effusion: One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is pleural effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. Eighty-six percent of mesothelioma victims exhibit this symptom. As the volume of fluid increases, a patient can experience shortness of breath, known as dyspnea, and sometimes pain along the chest wall.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by fluid buildup in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor or tumors in the pleural lining. Both conditions restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath. Ninety percent of mesothelioma victims report this symptom.
• Chest/Back Pain: A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body since mesothelioma affects the right lung 60 percent of the time. Only 5 percent of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.
• Chronic Hoarseness/Difficulty Swallowing/Coughing up Blood: Chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and/or coughing up blood (hemoptysis) are exhibited in less than 1 percent of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.
• Swelling of the Face and Arms: Face or neck swelling can indicate a spreading of the cancer beyond the mesothelium.
• Other Symptoms:  Other symptoms include weight loss and loss of appetite, fever, muscle weakness and sensory loss, and nausea.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Pain or Swelling of the Abdomen: Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma usually include abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
• Bowel Obstruction: A tumor in the peritoneum membranes, along with fluid buildup in the abdomen, can exert increasing pressure on the abdominal organs, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.
• Weight Loss/Anemia: Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and the pressure exerted by the presence of a tumor(s) can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and other “wasting symptoms.”
• Other Symptoms: The presence of tumors in the peritoneal tissues of the abdomen can also cause a change in frequency in urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue.

Contact Our Finger Lakes Region Asbestos Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one in the Finger Lakes region of New York has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the asbestos injury attorneys of Belluck & Fox, LLP, can help. We handle mesothelioma cases throughout New York, including the Finger Lakes region. Use our online contact form or call Belluck & Fox, LLP’s mesothelioma lawyers toll-free at 877-MESOTHELIOMA (637-6843).