A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are microscopic can cause mesothelioma development. This disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It can take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
Mesothelioma lawyers help victims get legal compensation. They file lawsuits and trust fund claims as well as VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are areas of thickening on the pleura which is the thin layer of skin that lines the chest's inside. They usually do not cause symptoms and are only discovered incidentally, for example when a person undergoes chest radiography or CT scanning to test for other conditions, such as asbestosis or lung cancer. The fluid that surrounds pleural plaques could be visible on the chest radiograph. They can also be calcified. This means that the tissue has hardened, and can be seen on a CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques do not cause cancer but they can increase the risk of developing more serious conditions such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the exposure to asbestos fibers. This is the only form of mesothelioma that is caused by asbestos exposure. Patients with this diagnosis are advised to tell their doctor of their asbestos exposure history.
Doctors make use of a variety of tools to diagnose the presence of pleural plaques or pleural disease which includes the pulmonary function test. This test examines the way the lungs function by measuring how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly they breathe in and out. Doctors can also make use of a computerized tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to see the lungs in greater detail.
These tests may help doctors to detect asbestos in the lungs. They don't confirm if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of pleural lesions and send them to a laboratory to determine if there are signs of cancer. If the pleural plaques show signs of cancer the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis can occur when asbestos fibers are breathed in. The asbestos fibers get stuck in the lungs, causing scar tissue to form. The scarring makes it difficult for the lungs expand and fill up with fresh air. This can cause breathing problems and dry coughing. Crackling sounds can accompany the coughing. As time passes, the condition leads to weight loss and fatigue. If left untreated, advanced cases of asbestosis cause pulmonary hypertension as well as clubbed fingers and toes.
The majority of people who are diagnosed with asbestosis have been diagnosed with the disease after an extended exposure to asbestos. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after exposure to asbestos. The time of latency could be as long as 50 years.
Asbestosis cannot be treated, but there are ways to lessen the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Doctors diagnose the condition by asking patients about their symptoms and work history and performing a physical exam. They also order lung scans using imaging and lung function tests. If evidence of scarring is seen on the scans doctors can determine if there is a case of asbestosis.
The best way to treat asbestosis is to prevent any new asbestos exposure. Smoking cigarettes can be harmful for those suffering from this condition as it can cause lung damage. Under the supervision of a doctor, a patient can also participate in a pulmonary rehab program to learn breathing exercises as well as a healthy eating habits. If a person has an accumulation of fluid around the lungs, doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure known as thoracentesis, to eliminate the fluid. Certain patients may require oxygen therapy to help with breathing. If the condition is severe or if other lung diseases, such as emphysema or asthma are present, a lung donation could be considered.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can lodge in lung tissue, causing inflammation, scarring, and stiffness. This makes breathing difficult. This condition, known as asbestosis, is one of more than 200 types of interstitial lung disease. This condition is also referred to as occupational lung disease because it affects those who have worked with
asbestos lawsuits or around asbestos prior to 1970, when government regulations limited exposure.
Asbestosis symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, difficulty in breathing and tightness in the chest or abdomen. Pleural effusion is another early sign of asbestosis. It is a form of fluid accumulation in the chest or lungs. Other signs could include lumps in the lungs, chest wall or rib cage, fatigue or a loss of appetite. Symptoms vary 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 conduct a physical exam. It is possible to identify asbestosis when they hear crackling sounds from their stethoscope, referred to as rales. Chest X-rays as well as lung function testing can also help determine the severity of lung damage.
Doctors can order a CT scan or biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen as well as the chest. Other signs of
mesothelioma lawsuits may be similar to those of asbestosis, and may include an ongoing cough chest pain lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy or lung transplants. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your physician can prescribe medication that will help ease your symptoms and improve breathing.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis, but treatment can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients with asbestosis should consult an expert physician and follow their recommendations. It might be beneficial to join a support group for patients with similar problems.
Asbestosis can be contracted when someone breathes in microscopic fibers that comprise the deadly substance. The fibres are entangled in the lungs, which causes them to get scarred and stiff. The affected people will experience difficulty breathing, and may experience chest pain, lumps, fatigue and coughing. They may also have difficulty walking on stairs. They will not feel as energetic as they did previously be, and their fingernails as well as toenails may appear larger or rounder than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms typically show up after a period of 20 years or more after exposure. Doctors may take several years before determining asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other ailments like emphysema, chronic bronchitis. Doctors examine the lungs with the help of a stethoscope. If they hear crackling sounds or observe damage to the lung tissue, they might be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will show you the lungs and determine if they appear whitish. The ability of the lungs to take in oxygen will be assessed using a pulmonary function test.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and asbestos is the only way to avoid further lung injuries. If you have an history of exposure to asbestos then you should consult your family physician immediately if you experience shortness of breath. Your doctor might refer you to a specialist in lung disease. The doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy or recommend an organ transplant to help you breathe more easily.
Compensation
A
mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients file an action against the companies accountable for their exposure to asbestos. These firms have experience handling
asbestos lawsuits and are aware of the companies, products and high-risk jobs that led to exposure. They can also connect patients with mesothelioma physicians and cancer centers.