What are the Signs of Mesothelioma?

How Long to File a Lawsuit for Asbestos Exposure in Maryland?

Have you been diagnosed with Mesothelioma? It is a rare form of lung cancer that occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. It is caused by long term exposure to asbestos dust in the workplace, home, or school. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, it is imperative to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer right away.

At Blank Kim Injury Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma patients and their families. We believe that mesothelioma patients deserve justice, and we strive to help them recover their life savings and to protect their future.

At our law firm, we are proud to represent mesothelioma patients across Maryland. If you are searching for a mesothelioma lawyer in Maryland, you can find one here.

Local clinics that treat Mesothelioma:

Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos was once used widely in construction materials, insulation, and fireproofing products.

Asbestos has been banned since the 1980s, but millions of Americans still live near areas where asbestos was previously mined or manufactured.
In addition to causing Mesothelioma, asbestos can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Here are signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

  • Shortness of Breath - Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of Mesothelioma. This symptom may occur suddenly or gradually worsen over time.
  • Cough - Coughing is another sign of mesotheliomas. People often cough up mucus or phlegm containing small amounts of tumor cells.
  • Fatigue - Fatigue, another common symptom of Mesothelioma, may manifest as weakness, tiredness, or exhaustion.
  • Chest Pain - Chest pain is another common symptom of malignant pleural Mesothelioma (MPM).
  • Hoarseness - Hoarseness is another symptom of MPM.
  • Nausea - Nausea is another symptom of Mesothelioma may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Abdominal Distention - Abdominal distention is another symptom of Mesothelioma may include bloating, swelling, and discomfort in the abdomen.
  • Fever - Fever is another symptom of Mesothelioma that may include fever, chills, night sweats, and sweating.
  • Abdominal distention - Loss of appetite is another symptom of Mesothelioma; you may feel hungry but don't eat much.
  • Weight Loss - Weight loss is another symptom of Mesothelioma, especially in the belly area.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been banned since the 1970s, but unfortunately, millions of Americans still live near areas where asbestos is present. These fibers are found in many building materials, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and other construction materials. Unfortunately, these materials are used extensively in construction projects throughout the country, putting a significant number of workers at risk.

Asbestos exposure is the number one cause of mesothelioma cancer. As many as 3,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S., per Cancer.net. It is important to remember that this disease does not affect just men. Women can get Mesothelioma too. This is why it is vital to have a Maryland mesothelioma lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging of Mesothelioma

In most cases, Mesothelioma develops slowly over several years. However, early detection and diagnosis can lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
Because symptoms often don't appear until years after initial exposure, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Here are three things you can do to detect Mesothelioma earlier:

  • Get screened regularly for any signs of Mesothelioma. If you smoke, quit smoking.
  • If you were exposed to asbestos, talk to your doctor about screening tests.
  • Be aware of warning signs. Watch for these symptoms:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Coughing
    • Chest pains
    • Fatigue
    • Fever

Know the stages of mesotheliomas. Each stage of Mesothelioma differs in its aggressiveness and prognosis.

There are three main types of mesothelioma tumors:

  • Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type of Mesothelioma. Symptoms usually occur within ten years of initial exposure.
  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdomen and pelvis. Symptoms typically arise 2 to 20 years after initial exposure.
  • Pericardial Mesothelioma affects the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms usually occur within 15 years of initial exposure.

What Treatment Is Available for Mesothelioma Symptoms?

There are several treatments available for mesothelioma symptoms. However, most patients don't live long after diagnosis. From 1999 to 2017, there were 5,236 deaths relating to Mesothelioma in Maryland, according to Asbestos Nation.

Here are some treatment options for mesothelioma symptoms.

  • Surgery - Surgery may be used to remove tumors and relieve symptoms. This procedure is usually done once the tumor has grown too big to treat with radiation therapy.
  • Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses high doses of X-rays to kill cancer cells. Patients receive radiation therapy every day for weeks or months until the cancer is gone.
  • Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously. They attack rapidly growing cells such as those found in cancers.
  • Targeted Therapies - Targeted therapies are designed to target specific proteins involved in cell growth and division. Some targeted therapies are approved for mesothelioma.
  • Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy involves using immune system cells called T lymphocytes to fight cancer. There are two types of immunotherapies: vaccines and adoptive cellular transfer.

How Can Mesothelioma Compensation Be Provided?

Many people who worked with or around asbestos had no idea it was dangerous. Even though asbestos was banned, some asbestos products remained on the market. Mesothelioma occurs when the body's cells are damaged and become cancerous. Although it's rare, Mesothelioma is becoming more common because the number of people exposed to asbestos continues to grow.

In Maryland, workers' compensation covers medical expenses related to occupational diseases such as Mesothelioma but does not pay benefits for lost wages or pain and suffering.

However, if you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma after working in a job that exposed you to asbestos, you may qualify for additional benefits under the federal law known as the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). Under FECA, you may receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and funeral costs.

At Blank Kim Injury Law, we understand the struggles that come with being diagnosed with Mesothelioma. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, we can help. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to provide you with the best possible compensation for your mesothelioma lawsuit. Our Maryland mesothelioma attorneys are committed to helping you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve.

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Aaron Blank Esq
Date Published: December 13, 2022
Aaron Blank is a patient safety advocate who holds the healthcare system responsible when it fails. He keeps businesses accountable if they choose profits over the safety of the community, and he ensures car insurance companies pay their fair share for the harm that reckless drivers cause. Aaron and his proficient legal team bring an approach based on dedication, guidance, and compassion through the difficult process of pursuing serious injury claims. He has dedicated his career to fighting for injury victims to recover losses from medical expenses, lost income, loss of enjoyment of life, or the loss of a loved one.
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