Malignant mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis. While early detection is vital for treating cancer, it is possible but exceedingly rare to find this disease in its early stages. There is no specific screening test used to determine if someone has malignant mesothelioma.
Additionally, the symptoms of the disease mimic those of others and are often little more than a cough or a sense of pressure on the chest. As a result, mesothelioma is usually only found when it has progressed to a later stage and after other diseases have been ruled out.
What Are Mesothelioma Warning Signs?
Mesothelioma symptoms are easy to mistake for other illnesses or even just a passing cold. It’s even possible for those with the disease to be asymptomatic. However, some of the common symptoms are as follows:
- Dry, persistent coughing
- Chest or lower back pain
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Sudden weight loss
- Blood clotting
- Pleural effusion
- Anemia
- Testicular lumps
Mesothelioma is easy to miss, so people with potential asbestos exposure need to take that into account when evaluating their symptoms. This is essential to the early detection of the disease.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma Detected?
There are several different blood tests used to detect malignant mesothelioma early. These tests detect specific biomarkers that are rare to find in people without the disease but which are commonly produced by it. Doctors will also schedule X-rays and CT-scans to determine if the blood tests are accurate. The following are common biomarkers that blood tests for the disease will detect:
- Osteopontin
- MESOMARK assay
- Fibulin-3 Test
- Megakaryocyte potentiation factor
- N-ERC/Mesothelin Test
Am I at Risk for Malignant Mesothelioma?
Those who were exposed to asbestos, typically through their employment in an industry where it is heavily used or via consumer products contaminated with it, can be at risk of contracting mesothelioma. However, malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease, with fewer than 3,000 people dying from it in the US annually.
As the latency period for mesothelioma is several decades, many people won’t know that they have the disease until it has progressed to a malignant state. This can cause financial and emotional shocks to people who are diagnosed with it.
Can I Be Compensated for Malignant Mesothelioma?
It’s possible to obtain compensation if you are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, which may help to cover medical costs and the loss to yourself and your loved ones. Follow this link to learn more about how you can build a case with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm's help. They have helped many clients and their families to secure six-figure settlements after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The money you receive could help you to make the most of the time you’ve got left, without having to worry about how you’re going to cover your expenses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim?
You have anywhere from one to two years to file a mesothelioma claim after your initial diagnosis. The amount of time will depend on the local laws of your state. Mesothelioma can take anywhere from ten years to several decades to develop and be detected. This makes it unlikely that someone will be able to file a claim until years after their initial exposure. For this reason, it is vital to work with an experienced lawyer who can handle your mesothelioma case.
If you think you might have malignant mesothelioma, notify your doctor as soon as possible to get tested. It’s also important for you to secure legal representation to obtain compensation for your illness. Time is of the essence, and acting now can save you and your loved ones from financial hardship.
