Mesothelioma is a type of cancer in which symptoms do not show up, typically, until many years after the time of initial exposure to asbestos. In fact, in some cases it may be as many as four or five decades until symptoms develop. Tragically, once symptoms do develop, the progress of this terminal cancer is often swift and merciless.
The early warning signs of mesothelioma are similar to those of many other respiratory illnesses, but you should contact a doctor for further checks if you experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain to the chest or abdomen
- Fever
- A persistent cough
- Fatigue or general malaise
- Weight loss
- Excessive or unexplained perspiration
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fluid in the lungs, also known as 'pleural effusions'
Further investigation
It is important that you speak with your GP if you think that you might have been exposed to asbestos at some point in the past – or even if you do not recall specific incidents of exposure but work in a trade where there is a reasonable possibility that you might have come into contact with the substance.
It is also possible to develop mesothelioma as a result of secondary asbestos exposure – for example, if you lived near an industrial site that used large quantities of asbestos or if you had a parent or spouse who worked with asbestos and regularly returned home with asbestos-contaminated clothes.
Your GP will investigate the matter further, and you may need to have:
- An X-ray
- A CT scan
- Lung function tests
- A biopsy
- An MRI scan
- Blood tests
- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- An echocardiogram
Give your claim confidence with Thompsons
Thompsons is Scotland's leading personal injury firm and possesses an experienced asbestos lung cancer claims team. Our specialist lawyers will be able to advise you as to whether you have a valid and viable claim for compensation and will also answer any questions or queries you may have. Telephone us now on 0800 0891331 or use the buttons at the bottom of the page to complete a claim form or chat online now.
