After A Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Take These Important Steps
Asbestos-related health concerns first surfaced in the twentieth century, peaking in the 1920s and 1930s. Asbestos usage was limited, phased out, or outright prohibited in a growing number of nations by the 1980s and 1990s. Researchers estimate that 40,000 people die each year from mesothelioma across the world.
Every year, over 3,000 new instances of mesothelioma are identified in the United States. While the majority of asbestos exposures happened before the 1980s, certain asbestos exposures still occur today.
What are Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other illnesses which can make it difficult to diagnose. After other diseases have been ruled out, a mesothelioma diagnosis is frequently established. Symptoms are thought to appear 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. A discomfort in the side of the chest or lower back, shortness of breath, pleural effusions, dry cough, fever, excessive sweating, tiredness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness are all frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
When compared to more advanced stages of the illness, patients with Stage 1 or 2 mesothelioma have the best prognosis. Tumors may be more receptive to curative therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy at this stage.
Patients who are diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 cancer usually show symptoms of metastasis. Mesothelioma has typically migrated to the lymph nodes and organs around it. Mesothelioma has spread to both sides of the body in Stage 4. Palliative therapies are available only in advanced stages of the disease to relieve the discomfort produced by the sickness.
After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis, What Should You Do?
- Examine Your Previous Exposures – The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Legal counsel can help determine your past asbestos exposure if you are unsure.
- Create a Support System – As your mesothelioma advances, you may require assistance with daily chores, including as doctor appointments, food, bills, and legal concerns. Begin today by learning who you may turn to for help.
- Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer with Years of Experience – Depending on the circumstances of your asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation and damages. It’s just as vital to locate a law firm that specializes in asbestos lawsuits as it is to find mesothelioma medical professionals .At Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C., we have necessary expertise and skills to represent you.
GPW has earned a reputation as a premier asbestos litigation practice both locally and nationally for more than 35 years. We help asbestos-injured workers and their families get the compensation they deserve. Don’t allow the passage of time limit your rights. Please contact us right away.
Sources:
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center, “Why a Global Asbestos Ban is Overdue” (October 18, 2018). [link]
The American Cancer Society Medical and Editorial Content Team, “Tests for Malignant Mesothelioma” (November 16, 2018). [link]
