Asbestos Cancer Symptoms
Many years will pass between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma, as the disease typically has a long latency period. In fact, mesothelioma patients generally do not develop symptoms until several decades after the initial asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of less serious conditions, many patients who develop mesothelioma are unaware of their potentially life-threatening cancer.
Individuals who were exposed to asbestos should schedule an appointment with their doctors to screen for asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma does not present early symptoms, individuals who were in contact with asbestos should inform their physician of their exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure but are not exhibiting signs of the disease should receive pulmonary function tests or chest x-rays to screen for any indications of asbestos-related diseases. (more…)