Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of your organs, such as the stomach and chest cavity. The disease can cause fluid build-up in your lungs, heart, and abdomen, pain throughout your torso, as well as weight loss and chronic fatigue. Though mesothelioma is a challenging and painful disease to manage, knowing what lies ahead and how the body will be impacted can help better prepare for the future.
Lungs
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common disease caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer attacks the lining of the lungs and causes respiratory issues. Fluid builds up between the lungs and chest, making it difficult to breathe and causing chest pain from the lack of oxygen. This kind of constant coughing can also lead to exhaustion and fatigue.
The weakening of the lungs can also lead to bronchitis and pneumonia, which leads to excessive coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. These infections are catastrophically threatening to mesothelioma patients and require immediate treatment.
Head and Brain
Mesothelioma takes a toll on more than just a patient’s physical health. Suffering from this type of cancer can lead to depression and anxiety. Chemotherapy can also cause brain fog, such as confusion or forgetfulness. Additionally, patients with pericardial mesothelioma often report feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Patients may also experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, night sweats, headache, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and cough.
Heart
Pericardial mesothelioma, or mesothelioma that attacks the lining of the heart and primary blood vessels, is commonly regarded as the most painful form of mesothelioma. This mesothelioma can cause chest pain, fatigue, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and heart murmurs. Additionally, fluid can easily build up in the heart, causing the organ to have to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to chronic fatigue.
Stomach
Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the lining of the abdomen and can cause pain and discomfort in that region. This form of the disease can lead to fluid accumulation that causes uncomfortable swelling or distention and, in some cases, lumps of tissue. Additionally, all types of mesotheliomas can cause weight loss.
Arms & Legs
Weight loss associated with mesothelioma is often noticed first in the patient’s arms. Neuropathy has also been reported to affect a patient’s hands and feet. Additionally, mesothelioma patients are susceptible to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis of the legs due to decreased mobility and high doses of chemotherapy. Lastly, pericardial mesothelioma patients often experience swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles due to fluid retention.
Psychological Effects
Aside from the physical toll mesothelioma takes, many patients face psychological side effects as well. Stress from treatment, financial burdens, and family issues can take a toll on a patient’s overall health. Studies have shown that patients who are stressed are less likely to respond to treatment and are more likely to experience a further decline in health.
It is recommended that patients use affirming thoughts and try to have a positive outlook by focusing on what they can control versus what they cannot.
Shrader Law: Getting You the Mesothelioma Help You Deserve
If you’ve developed mesothelioma as a result of working with asbestos, you may be owed compensation for the expenses related to your illness as well as the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The attorneys at Shrader & Associates are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Contact the experienced team at Shrader & Associates L.L.P. to learn more about how we can help with your case. Call us at (877) 958-7920 or fill out the online contact form to get in touch with a skilled attorney today.