Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that currently has no available cure. It typically affects the linings of the lungs, but can also affects the linings of the heart, abdomen, and testicles. Mesothelioma is caused by the exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is an highly heat-retardant compound that has been used for centuries because of its durability. It has been used in multiple commercial applications, including shipping, insulation, and automotive applications, among many others.
There are three different kinds of mesothelioma, but the most common is pleural mesothelioma (attacks the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura). It oftentimes goes undiagnosed for years because it presents just like so many other conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the symptoms of this type of mesothelioma as soon as possible. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following:
- Persistent coughing
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial swelling
- Sudden weight loss
- Rasping
- Shortness of breath, even when you’re not being active
- Coughing up blood
- Severe chest or rib pain
Many of these symptoms appear to a physician just like the flu or pneumonia and, therefore, the mesothelioma isn’t recognized early. Late diagnoses are often the reason for such short life expectancies once the disease is diagnosed. Be sure to visit your physician if you’ve experienced any of these symptoms and mention that you were exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos was recognized to be harmful as early as the 1930s and employers were warned about the protection necessary for their employees. However, many employees didn’t heed this warning and allowed their employees to be exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. If this was the cause for your asbestos exposure, you may have legal recourse for compensation. Financial compensation can help you and your family with medical bills, entrance into clinical trials, and more. For help with your case, please contact our experienced Baltimore mesothelioma lawsuit attorneys. At The Law Office of Brown| Kiely, LLP, we have been helping mesothelioma sufferers get compensation for decades. Don’t hesitate to call us now at (410) 625-9330.
