The wide array of symptoms that could allude to mesothelioma may never cease to amaze sufferers of the disease. Whether they suffered from asbestos exposure here in Ohio or elsewhere, many people watched their body for symptoms of this rare cancer for years, probably decades. They watched for symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, but did not know that shoulder pain could also be a symptom.
Many people develop pain in their shoulders as they age due to arthritis or some other condition that has nothing to do with mesothelioma. For this reason, it is easy to dismiss this as a symptom of this condition. Shoulder pain turned out to be the first symptom for as many as 14% of people who suffer from this condition.
This pain will not be associated with any injury due to activity. It could even appear while resting and often gets worse at night. When shoulder pain is followed by or accompanied by a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, it is definitely time to see a doctor. Even if it is not mesothelioma, it could be lung cancer.
In either case, an Ohio resident’s condition could result from asbestos exposure. When visiting a doctor, it is crucial to let him or her know of that exposure. It could make the difference between getting the right diagnosis as quickly as possible and being sent home with a treatment plan for an ailment that does not exist. After receiving a diagnosis for mesothelioma, suffers could take the time to look into their rights and legal options for pursuing restitution to help with medical costs and other needs.
