Individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace before 1982 – including boilermakers, carpenters, laborers, pipe coverers, pipefitters, boiler workers, and factory workers – may be worried about their risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure.
In this article, we will explore common symptoms that could be a sign of mesothelioma cancer, information about how mesothelioma is diagnosed, information for individuals who wish to receive an asbestos health examination, and legal options for individuals and their loved ones who receive an asbestos diagnosis.
For more information about receiving an asbestos health exam or to talk with an attorney about your legal options, you can contact the lawyers at Hissey Mulderig & Friend by calling our law firm toll-free at 1-855-500-3734, or by filling out the free claims form located on this page.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma cancer?
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs, known as the mesothelium. About 70% of all mesothelioma cases involve pleural mesothelioma.
Some of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
If you were exposed at a jobsite where asbestos materials were commonly used and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be worried that these may be a sign that you have developed mesothelioma.
If so, you may be eligible to receive a free asbestos health exam in order to determine whether your symptoms are being caused by mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, such as lung cancer.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
In order to determine whether your symptoms are being caused by mesothelioma cancer, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive asbestos health examination from a physician.
During your exam, a physician will first ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire to provide information about your medical history, as well as your history of exposure to asbestos.
Together, you and your doctor will review your work history to determine whether you were exposed to asbestos, including possible asbestos materials you may have worked with, and how often, and for how long you were exposed.
Next, your doctor will review your medical history – including respiratory or other symptoms you may be experiencing – as well as other health conditions you may have experienced.
After this review, your doctor will conduct a medical examination. This exam will probably include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and performing a pulmonary function test. In some cases, your doctor may also order additional tests – such as a chest X-ray, a CT scan, or a tissue sample – in order to gather additional data about your health.
After your asbestos health exam is complete, your doctor will discuss your results with you once they are ready.
In the event that you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or another disease, your doctor may also discuss treatment options to help you manage the symptoms of your diagnosis.
What legal options are available for individuals with mesothelioma?
Although the cost of treating mesothelioma or other health conditions can be expensive, individuals who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to receive compensation to help with their medical expenses and other costs.
Workers who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit against the companies who were responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Workers may also be eligible to file a claim with one of the many asbestos trust funds that have been established to compensate victims of asbestos exposure.
In addition, compensation may also be available for the spouses of workers who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, as well as for their adult children.
Individuals who were diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer and their loved one can talk with an experienced asbestos attorney for more information about the legal options that are available in their specific case.
Get Tested and Start Your Claim Today
Workers who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace before 1982 and believe they may have symptoms of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease are eligible to receive a free asbestos health exam courtesy of our law firm.
Individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer or asbestos lung cancer – as well as their spouses and adult children – may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit or a claim with a trust fund and receive compensation for their illness and medical expenses.
For more information about scheduling a free asbestos health exam or to start the process of filing your claim today, contact the lawyers at Hissey Mulderig & Friend by calling our office toll-free at 1-855-500-3734, or by filling out our free claims submission form located at the top of this page.
