Health, Deadly Mesothelioma Symptoms Could Be Mistaken For Common Cold


by HILDA MATEIU - Date: 2008-10-30 - Word Count: 512 Share This!

Chronic coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain and chest pain are all symptoms of common ailments such as bronchitis, pneumonia and the flu. These same symptoms, however, are also those of the early stages of the rare and fatal cancer, mesothelioma.

Because mesothelioma symptoms resemble those of common aliments, victims of the rare cancer are often misdiagnosed. As a result of such misdiagnosis, most cases of mesothelioma are not detected until the cancer is in an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact us for more information and resources about mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, a protective sac that lines the lungs, stomach and heart. Mesothelioma is the only form of cancer directly caused by asbestos exposure.

What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of multiple strands of durable fibers. Because of its durability and strength, asbestos was widely used in maritime, industrial, automotive and building products during the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Although asbestos is not harmful in its natural state, once it is broken down or disturbed, the fibers separate, forming a toxic dust that can be easily inhaled through the nose and mouth. If ingested, the fibers can become lodged into the lining of the lungs, stomach or heart. Over a period of time, the fibers can cause severe irritation, leading to the development of mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos Was Widely Used Until the Early 1980s Because the effects of asbestos were not discovered until the 1970s, regulations banning its use were not enforced until the early 1980s. This means that many products found in our homes, schools, vehicles and boats still may contain asbestos-laden products.

One of the reasons the fatal effects of asbestos were not revealed until the 1970s, is because symptoms can take up to 50 years to develop. Thus, many individuals who unknowingly worked with asbestos-containing products before the 1980s, such as navy veterans, construction workers, miners, painters, mechanics, shipbuilders and steel mill workers are just now showing symptoms of mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-caused diseases.

Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos? If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, at home or at school, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above - chronic coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain or chest pain - you should contact your physician immediately for a full examination.

How a Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, contact us immediately to speak to an experienced asbestos attorney who will evaluate your case and will guide you through your legal claim.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, our qualified mesothelioma attorneys will help fight to ensure you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and any emotional pain and suffering caused by the disease. Our attorneys understand the harmful effects of asbestos and will aggressively, yet compassionately fight to protect your rights.

http://www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org/asbestos-exposure/ http://www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org/mesothelioma-cancer/information/


Related Tags: mesothelioma, mesothelioma cancer, mesothelioma attorneys, asbestos exposure, asbestos attorney, mesothelioma symptoms, mesothelium, navy veterans

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