Workers who were exposed to products containing asbestos or who worked at jobsites that were contaminated with asbestos may be at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, asbestosis, or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure.
Because of the long latency period with most asbestos diseases, workers who were exposed to asbestos may only develop symptoms of one of these diseases decades after exposure. It may take as long as 40 years after asbestos exposure for the first symptoms to appear. But depending on the type of the disease that develops, symptoms may grow significantly worse over a period of just a few months.
So what are the signs that you may be experiencing symptoms of an asbestos-related disease?
The symptoms of asbestos exposure are different depending on the type of the disease that a patient is experiencing:
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a condition that involves scarring of lung tissue due to the presence of asbestos fibers in the lungs. This scarring causes lung tissue to become stiff, making it difficult to breathe normally.
Some symptoms that may be a sign of asbestosis include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Clubbed fingers or toes
- Dry cough
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
Lung Cancer
Workers may develop lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure to asbestos. Unlike mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, asbestos lung cancer is caused when asbestos is inhaled and causes cancerous cells to form inside the lung tissue. Asbestos exposure causes six times as many cases of lung cancer than mesothelioma.
Some of the symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer include:
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
- Coughing blood
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos that affects the lining of the heart, lungs, or other bodily cavities. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the area of the body that is affected.
Symptoms that may be a sign of pleural mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the lungs) include:
- Chest pain
- Painful cough
- Lumps under the skin in the chest area
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
Symptoms that may be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the abdomen) include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Swollen abdomen
- Weight loss
Pericardial mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the heart) may cause symptoms that can include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Patients with mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis (cancer affecting the tissue around the testicles) may notice a lump or swelling on one of their testicles.
Other Asbestos Cancers
In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure may cause other types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, bile duct cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
Other Asbestos Diseases
Asbestos exposure can cause a number of other non-cancerous diseases, including peritoneal effusions (fluid buildup in the lining of the abdomen), pericardial effusions (fluid buildup in the lining of the heart), pleural effusions (fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs), pleural plaques (calcified buildup on the lining of the lungs), pleuritis or pleurisy (pain caused by inflammation in the lining of the lungs), and diffuse pleural thickening (lesions on the lining of the lungs).
What can I do if I think I have symptoms of asbestos exposure?
The only way to be certain that your symptoms are being caused by asbestos exposure is to undergo an examination from a doctor. By looking at your work history, your medical history, and performing a physical examination, a doctor will be able to determine whether your symptoms are the result of an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms that you think could be caused by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to receive a free physical examination to determine whether your illness was caused by exposure to asbestos.
To schedule your free asbestos exam, contact the law firm of Hissey Mulderig & Friend by calling our office toll-free at 1-855-500-3734.
You can also learn more about receiving a free medical exam at no out-of-pocket cost to you by sending us a message using the contact form on the right side of this page, or at the bottom of the page for mobile device users.
After we receive your submission, a member of our staff will contact you to obtain any additional information that we need and to help you schedule your free examination.
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