If you are concerned about developing mesothelioma or believe that you have symptoms, it’s important for you to get the appropriate tests and to seek support. Mesothelioma mimics many other disorders and illnesses, so it’s vital that you let your medical provider know if you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or if others you know, such as past coworkers, have developed the condition after working in the same environment you did.
Some of the symptoms that you could have that could be caused by mesothelioma include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Nausea
- Anemia
- Fluid in the lungs
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Unusual drops in blood sugar levels
- Jaundice
As you can see, there are many symptoms that could match with mesothelioma or other conditions. Your medical provider will need to go through a process of differential diagnoses to determine which condition you have and to make sure you get the right diagnosis.
Once mesothelioma is suspected, you may have to go through imaging tests or biopsies. A biopsy is taken by inserting a needle through the skin in the chest or abdomen. It can also be taken during surgery.
Additional scans, such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, will be taken to see how far the cancer has spread so that it can be accurately diagnosed for the purpose of setting up a treatment protocol.
If you have mesothelioma, you may be in a position to file a claim for compensation. Many cases are the result of poor working conditions and exposure in the workplace, which may allow you to make a claim.