A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. The disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It could take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
Mesothelioma lawyers assist victims to receive legal compensation. They file lawsuits and trust fund claims and also VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques can cause thickening of the pleura (the thin layer of skin that lines the chest). They usually don't cause any symptoms and are only discovered infrequentlyfor instance, when a person gets chest radiography or CT imaging tests to look for a different condition, such as asbestosis or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are usually surrounded by fluid and may appear slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They are sometimes calcified, which means that the tissue is hardened and can be observed on a CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary plaques aren't considered cancerous, but they do raise a person's risk of developing more serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos fibers inhalation, is a rare kind of cancer. It is the only type of mesothelioma that is caused by asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with this disease are advised to inform their doctor of their asbestos exposure background.
Doctors employ a variety of tools to detect pleural disease and pleural plaques including the pulmonary function test. This test evaluates how well the lungs function by measuring the quantity of air they hold and the speed at which they can breathe in and outside. Doctors may also utilize a computerized tomography scan (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to view the lungs in more detail.
These tests may help doctors detect asbestos in the lung. They do not determine if the pleural plaques are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of the plaques of the pleural region and send them to a lab to check for signs of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous, then the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a lung disease that develops when tiny fibers from asbestos materials are inhaled. The asbestos fibers encase the lungs, causing scar tissue to form. The scarring makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and fill with fresh air. This can lead to breathing issues and dry coughing. Crackling sounds may also accompany the coughing. In time, the illness can cause weight loss and fatigue. Untreated, advanced asbestosis can lead to chronic pulmonary hypertension, painful fingers and feet and a weakening of the immune system.
The majority of those diagnosed with asbestosis have developed the disease following an extended exposure to
asbestos lawsuit. The disease usually develops 20-30 years after asbestos exposure. The latency period can last up to 50 years.
Asbestosis is not curable however there are ways to reduce the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and work history and then conducting a physical exam. They also request imaging scans of the lungs and lung function tests. If scarring is evident on the scans, doctors can diagnose asbestosis.
The best way to treat asbestosis is to stay clear of any new asbestos exposure. Smoking cigarettes can be harmful for those with this condition as it can cause lung damage. Under the supervision of a physician, a patient can also participate in a pulmonary rehab program to learn breathing exercises and a healthy diet. Doctors can perform a non-invasive procedure known as thoracentesis if the lungs of a person are clogged with fluid. Some patients may need oxygen therapy to help with breathing. If the illness is severe or if additional lung diseases like emphysema are present, a lung donation may be considered.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos lawsuit fibers may get lodged in lung tissue which can cause inflammation as well as scarring and stiffness. This makes breathing difficult. This condition is called asbestosis and is among more than 200 kinds of interstitial lung disease. The condition is also known as occupational lung disease, because it affects those who have been exposed to asbestos or worked exposed to asbestos prior to the year 1970, when government regulations limited exposure.
The signs of asbestosis include dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening of the abdomen or chest. Pleural effusion is a different early sign of asbestosis. It is a form of fluid accumulation in the chest or lungs. Other symptoms include lumps in the chest or lung, pain around the ribs fatigue, fatigue, and decrease in appetite. The symptoms can range from mild to severe.
People who suffer from lung problems must see their doctor as soon as they notice any signs of lung problems. The doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. If they hear crackling sound in their stethoscopes, also known as rales, they are able to diagnose asbestosis. Chest X rays and lung function testing can also aid in determining the severity of lung damage.
In some cases doctors will request a biopsy or a CT scan to diagnose mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer that affects the lining that is found in the chest, lungs or abdomen. Other symptoms of asbestosis can be similar to mesothelioma, like a constant cough and chest pain. They may also include lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, or the possibility of a lung transplant. If you're diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor can prescribe medications to help ease your symptoms and improve breathing.
Treatment
Asbestosis isn't curable, but treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition should work with a medical professional and follow their doctor's advice. It might be beneficial to join a group of patients who have similar issues.
Asbestosis can be contracted when someone breathes in the tiny fibres that make up the deadly material. These fibres become stuck in the lungs, causing them to stiffen and scar. The affected sufferers will have difficulty breathing, and they will experience pain or lumps in the chest or coughing, fatigue, and difficulty walking up stairs. They won't have the same energy as they did in the past be, and their fingernails as well as toenails may appear larger or rounded than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms typically appear 20 years after exposure. Doctors may need longer to diagnose asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis. Doctors listen to the lungs using a stethoscope and if they hear crackling sounds or see lung tissue damage they may think that asbestosis is the cause. A high-resolution CT will show you the lungs, and if they appear whitish. A pulmonary function test can measure the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and asbestos is the only way to prevent further lung injuries. If you have a previous history of asbestos exposure visit your family doctor as soon as you experience shortness of breathe. Your doctor will likely refer you an expert in lung issues. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better or suggest a lung transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients file a lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to
asbestos. These firms have experience handling asbestos lawsuits and are aware of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They can also help patients connect with mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers.