You may be quick to dismiss media coverage of mesothelioma if you’ve never had any prolonged exposure to asbestos. After all, it seems you don’t hear about one without hearing about the other.
This is a dangerous misconception because you may be missing symptoms commonly associated with mesothelioma.
Risks are all around
While asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a small percentage can occur from exposure to mineral fibers such as erionite, fluoro-edenite and balangeroite. There is a high concentration of erionite in the western United States. It was also commonly used in road construction.
The long-term use of talc powder is another issue. Many people have been exposed to talcum powder from the time they were babies and throughout our lives. Talc is used in baby powder, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, blush, lipstick and ceramics.
Other risks include radiation for other malignancies, genetics and germline mutations, chronic and pleural inflammation.
Recognizing the signs
There are different types of mesothelioma, so it’s crucial that you are aware of the various symptoms:
- Pleural mesothelioma (lungs)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Pericardial mesothelioma (heart)
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Testicular mesothelioma
- Swelling or lumps in the testicles
Some symptoms don’t appear until decades after exposure; however, even though early diagnosis may be challenging, it is crucial for a better outcome. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are options for receiving compensation to assist with medical expenses and lost wages.