Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral that has many industrial applications because of its fire-retardant and heat-insulating properties. Until 1980, asbestos was used to insulate boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes and nuclear reactors on American ships. However, exposure to asbestos has dangerous health effects. Asbestos has been linked to Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and diseases of the pleura or lining of the lungs.

Almost all asbestos-related illnesses are due to occupational exposure. Shipyard workers are the second largest groups at-risk for developing asbestos-related disease. Sailors on older vessels may also have high levels of asbestos exposure, especially, those who work in boiler rooms. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure and length of exposure. Yet, even a short period of high level exposure can cause damage.

Unfortunately, there are no early symptoms for many asbestos-related illnesses. It is advised that any worker with known asbestos exposure get regular chest x-rays and lung function tests to screen for asbestos-related health issues. Symptoms may not appear for 20 or more years after exposure.

Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue by asbestos fibers. It often occurs 20-40 years after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms include

• Shortness of breathcough

• Sputum and wheezing are uncommon, except in smokers

• Changes in the ends of fingers and toes called “clubbing”

• Cyanosis – a blue tint to fingers and lips

• Failure of the right side of the heart

• Increased susceptibility to infection

Pleural disease refers to changes in the pleura, or lining, of the lungs. Pleural plaques are scars that occur on the lungs as a result of asbestos exposure. There may be calcification (calcium deposits) in these areas. Sometimes there may be a general thickening of the pleural lining, or fluid may occur around the lungs.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura (lining of the lung). It may also the peritoneum (lining of the stomach) or the pericardium (lining of the heart). The onset of the disease usually occurs thirty or more years after exposure.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

• Persistent dry cough

• Coughing up blood

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Night sweats

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Persistent chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Appearance of lumps under the skin on the chest

Asbestos exposure may also cause cancers of the voice box, upper throat, kidneys, esophagus and gall bladder.

If you are a maritime worker who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, time is of the essence. You may be eligible for compensation under Jones Act, Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act, or other maritime law. Click to request our free book, Employees Guide to Maritime Injury Law, which provides valuable advice for all injured maritime workers. For a free consultation about your rights and the claims to which you are entitled, contact the maritime injury attorneys at The Young Firm, 866-938-6113. A consultation will allow us to answer questions that pertain specifically to your case. As an injured maritime industry worker, you do have rights and we’d like to help.