If you have worked with asbestos in the past, you may worry about having mesothelioma. Perhaps a former colleague has been diagnosed with it, or maybe you know someone that died from it.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, that does not mean you should take a laissez-faire attitude to it. The sooner you spot the disease, the more chance you have to take advantage of treatments that can extend your life and reduce suffering.
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the body part affected
One of the issues with mesothelioma is that you are unlikely to notice much in the early stages of the disease. Only when it starts to advance do more signs present. These can include:
- Shortness of breath
- A dry cough
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Bowel issues
- Weight loss you do not understand
- Lumps under the skin on your chest
- Abdominal pain or swelling
Many of these are common symptoms that several things could cause. For example, you may put your wheezing down to the fact you smoke or have asthma. If you feel fatigued, you might attribute it to a challenging few months at work. If you are unsure whether you may have mesothelioma, it is best to get a medical check-up and mention that you worked with asbestos in the past. Otherwise, a doctor might assume your symptoms are down to something else.
The fight to get compensation for mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure at work can take a long time. Therefore the sooner you start the process, the better. The funds you receive can help you obtain treatment and provide for your family’s future.