Signs & Symptoms

Mesothelioma/Toxic Tort

Mesothelioma Law Firm with 30 Years of Experience

About The Ferraro Law Firm

Mesothelioma/Toxic Tort

Mesothelioma Law Firm with 30 Years of Experience

About The Ferraro Law Firm

Compassionate Legal Representation in Florida

Mesothelioma is cancer that occurs in the lining of the heart, lungs, or abdomen. This highly-aggressive form of cancer has only been related to asbestos exposure in the U.S. Other cancers, such as lung cancer, may also be caused by asbestos exposure.

If you find yourself diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should immediately seek medical help. After that, you should also examine your legal rights. Since 1985, The Ferraro Law Firm has represented the rights of those with asbestos-related diseases and pursued just compensation on their behalf. Our firm has since become known as one of the top five law firms in the U.S. handling mesothelioma and asbestos cases.

General Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose. Its symptoms may look like a number of other illnesses until the cancer has become severe. In addition, symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20, even 50 years after exposure. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are already in stage III or stage IV of the disease.

While symptoms will vary according to the type of mesothelioma, general symptoms may include:

• Wheezing or Dry Cough
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain
• Abdomen Pain
• Fever
• Anemia
• Pleural Effusions
• Muscle Weakness

Because most victims ignore symptoms until they intensify, the cancer has time to spread and worsen. Even then, diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms correlate with many other illnesses.

How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, it is generally not diagnosed until after an individual visits the doctor due to symptoms he or she is experiencing. If you suspect that you have mesothelioma, or you believe you were exposed to asbestos, your doctor will have to examine you and perform certain tests to properly diagnose you.

Here is what you need to know about the diagnosis process for mesothelioma:

• Physical exam: If you experience any signs or symptoms that suggest you might have mesothelioma, your doctor will ask for your medical history and inquire about your symptoms as well as possible risk factors, such as asbestos exposure. The physical exam he or she performs will provide information regarding possible signs of mesothelioma or other potential health problems. Fluid can build up in the affected areas of a person’s body, which can be found during a physical exam. Additionally, your doctor might perform imaging tests, blood tests, and other procedures.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests might also be performed to create pictures of the inside of your body. They might be done to look at the suspected cancerous areas, to learn how far the cancer might have spread, and to help determine if administered treatments are working.
• Blood tests: Blood levels of osteopontin or soluble mesothelin-related peptides are higher in individuals with mesothelioma. While this condition cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, detecting high these in high quantities can make a diagnosis more likely.
• Fluid and tissue samples: While symptoms and test results can provide a strong indication that a person has mesothelioma, diagnosis ultimately requires the removal of cells from an abnormal area and examining them under a microscope. This procedure is known as a biopsy and it can be done in a number of ways, depending on one’s situation.

If you were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, someone else might be responsible for your condition. It is important to know that you have legal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mesothelioma & Asbestos

30 Years of Nationwide Representation

Since our founding, our Miami, The Ferraro Law Firm has represented over 20,000 clients in cases relating to mesothelioma. We have repeatedly held companies responsible for the harm experienced by workers and other individuals exposed to this dangerous substance. Our attorneys have the experience and wherewithal to pursue your case. Since 1985, we’ve won over $2 billion on behalf of our clients throughout Miami, Florida, and the rest of the nation.