It is certainly not a guarantee that those who are exposed to asbestos will later develop the aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma. But it does happen in many cases, and this type of cancer has a very high fatality rate. That’s why it’s important for people to understand what condition they’re dealing with as early as possible so that they can seek treatment.
There are many different signs and symptoms to look for. For instance, mesothelioma in the chest is known as pleural mesothelioma, and it can lead to things like chest pain, a cough, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, swelling in the face and a hoarse sound to your voice. Mesothelioma also comes with a set of general symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, weight loss, blood clots, fatigue, fever and excessive sweating. These are all things to keep an eye on if you believe you have been affected.
Symptom confusion
One of the problems that experts note is that these symptoms are not exclusive to mesothelioma. You could have them due to many other conditions. A fever may just be a fever, for example. Weight loss could relate to a gastronomical issue. Back pain could mean that you need to go to the chiropractor, while shortness of breath could be many other respiratory issues.
What sometimes happens is that people assume they have minor, inconsequential symptoms that will clear up with time. When they don’t, then it becomes clear that the person may be suffering from a more serious disease. But that delay can already be very significant.
If you find yourself in this position or if a loved one is dealing with mesothelioma, be sure you know what steps to take.