A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. This illness causes long-term scarring and inflammation of the lungs. It can take 30 years for symptoms to appear.
Mesothelioma lawyers assist victims to receive legal compensation. They file lawsuits and trust fund claims, as well as VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques can cause thickening of the pleura (the thin layer of skin that lines the chest). They typically do not cause symptoms, and are often discovered in a way, such as when a person undergoes chest radiography or CT scanning to look for other ailments like asbestosis or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are typically surrounded by fluid and may be slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They can be calcified, meaning that the tissue is hardened and can be seen on an CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques are not cancerous but they could increase the risk of developing serious diseases like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops from the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only kind of mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos, and those diagnosed with this disease must inform their physician of the history of
asbestos litigation exposure.
Doctors make use of a variety of tools to diagnose pleural disease and pleural plaques which includes 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 both in and out. Doctors can also use a computerized tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to see the lungs more clearly.
These tests can be used to determine asbestos in the lung. However, they don't confirm if the plaques in the pleural cavity are cancerous, so it is necessary to perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can biopsy pleural lesions and send them to a lab to look for indications of cancer. If the pleural plates are cancerous the patient will receive mesothelioma as a diagnosis.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a lung disorder that develops when tiny fibers of asbestos are inhaled. The fibers lodge in the lungs, causing scar tissue to form. The scarring makes it difficult for the lung to expand and fill with fresh air. This can lead to breathing problems and dry coughing. Crackling sounds may also accompany the coughing. In time, the illness leads to weight loss and fatigue. If untreated, the advanced asbestosis cases can cause pulmonary hypertension as well as the development of a swollen toe and fingers.
The majority of those diagnosed with asbestosis have been diagnosed with the disease after an extended exposure to asbestos. The condition usually develops between 20 and 30 years after exposure to
asbestos law, and the latency period can span up to 50 years.
It's not possible to cure asbestosis however there are treatment options that ease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Doctors can diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and histories, and also conducting a physical exam. They also conduct lung scans using imaging and lung function tests. If scarring is evident on imaging scans then doctors can determine asbestosis.
The best method of treating asbestosis is to stay clear of any new exposures to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes can be hazardous for those with this condition as it can cause further lung damage. Patients may also opt to try an exercise program that focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation under the supervision of a doctor to learn about breathing exercises and healthy eating. Doctors can carry out a non-invasive procedure called thoracentesis when a person's lungs are clogged with fluid. Some patients may require oxygen therapy to aid in breathing. If the condition is severe or if additional lung diseases, such as emphysema or asthma are present, a lung donation might be considered.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibres can become lodged in a person's lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition is called asbestosis and is one of over 200 forms of interstitial lung disease. It is often referred to as occupational lung disease because it usually occurs in those who worked with or around asbestos before 1970 when government regulations limited exposure.
Asbestosis symptoms can include dry, hacking cough breathing problems, a slurred voice and tightness in the abdomen or chest. Pleural effusion is another early sign of asbestosis. It is a form of fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest. Other signs could include lumps in the lungs, chest wall and pain around the rib cage, fatigue and an inability to eat. Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Those who experience lung problems must see their doctor as soon as they notice any signs of lung problems. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure, and then perform an exam. If they hear crackling sound on their stethoscope, referred to as rales, they are able to detect asbestosis. Chest scans and lung function tests can also show the extent of lung damage as well as help determine the extent to which your lungs are functioning.
Doctors may request a CT scan or biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and chest. Other signs of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of asbestosis and include an ongoing cough chest pain, lumps in the lungs or belly and shortness of breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgery or an organ transplant. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor can prescribe medication that will alleviate your symptoms and improve your breathing.
Treatment
Asbestosis isn't curable However, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition should work with a medical professional and follow the advice of their physician. It is also possible that joining a support group that includes others who suffer from similar problems could be beneficial.
Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when an individual inhale the tiny fibers that make up this deadly substance. The fibres get stuck in the lungs and cause them to scar and stiffen. The affected individuals will have difficulty breathing, and may feel chest pain lumps, fatigue and coughing. They also may have difficulty climbing stairs. They will not have the same energy they used to be, and their fingernails as well as toenails could appear bigger or rounder than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms usually show up 20 years after exposure. It can take doctors a long time to diagnose asbestosis, and often it is mistaken for conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis or idiopathic lung fibrosis. Doctors examine the lungs with a stethoscope and if they hear crackling sounds or see damage to lung tissue they may be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will reveal the lungs, and if they are pale. A pulmonary function test will determine the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and
asbestos claim is the only way to prevent any further lung damage. If you have a previous history of exposure to asbestos consult your family physician immediately if you notice shortness of breathe. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in lung disease. The specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy or suggest the use of a lung transplant to help you breathe easier.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can help patients file a lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to
asbestos litigation. These firms have experience handling asbestos claims and have knowledge of the products, companies and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure.