A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. This lung disease can cause inflammation and long-term scarring. It could take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
Mesothelioma lawyers help victims get legal compensation. They file lawsuits, trust fund claims and VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the result of thickening on the pleura (the thin layer that lines inside the chest). They rarely cause symptoms, and are often discovered incidentally, for example when a person undergoes chest radiography or CT scanning to check for other conditions, such as asbestosis or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are usually filled with fluid and can be slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They may also be calcified. This means that the tissue has hardened and can be seen on the CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques aren’t cancerous but they could increase the chance of developing more serious conditions such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that results from the exposure to asbestos fibers. This is the only form of mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with this disease are advised to inform their doctor of their asbestos exposure history.
Doctors utilize a variety tools to detect pleural plaques and other pleural diseases, including a lung function test (spirometry). This test measures how well the lungs function by assessing the quantity of air they hold and the speed at which they can breathe both in and out. The lungs can be examined in greater detail by doctors by using a magnetic resonance scan (MRI) or a computerized Tomography scan (CT).
These tests can be used to detect asbestos in the lungs. They cannot confirm if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can perform a biopsy of pleural plaques and send them to a laboratory to check for indications of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers 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 difficulties and dry coughing that can be accompanied by crackling sounds. Over time, the disease leads to weight loss and fatigue. If untreated, the advanced cases of asbestosis lead to pulmonary hypertension and the development of a swollen toe and fingers.
The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis have developed the disease following a prolonged exposure to asbestos. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after exposure to asbestos. The latency time can last up to 50 years.
Asbestosis cannot be treated, but there are ways to lessen the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose the condition by asking patients about their symptoms and history, and then performing an examination. They also order lung imaging scans and lung function tests. If there is evidence of scarring on imaging scans then doctors can diagnose asbestosis.
The best way to treat asbestosis is to stay clear of any further exposure to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes is also harmful for those suffering from this condition, as it can cause further damage to the lungs. 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. If a patient has an accumulation of fluid around the lungs doctors can perform a non-invasive procedure called thoracentesis to remove the fluid. Some patients may need oxygen therapy to aid in breathing. If the condition is severe or other lung diseases such as Emphysema are present, lung donation could be considered.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can get lodged in the lung tissue of a patient and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition, also known as asbestosis, is one of more than 200 forms of interstitial lung disease. It is often referred as an occupational lung disease because it usually occurs in those who worked with or around asbestos before 1970 when the government regulated exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of asbestosis can include dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening of the abdomen or chest. Pleural effusion is an additional early sign of asbestosis. It is a form of fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest. Other symptoms include lumps in the chest or lung or ribs, pain around the ribs fatigue, and loss of appetite. Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Those with lung problems should consult their doctor immediately. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure and perform an exam. If they hear crackling sounds in their stethoscopes, also known as rales, it is possible to diagnose asbestosis. Chest X-rays as well as lung function testing can also help determine the extent of lung damage.
In certain cases doctors may order an examination or biopsy or CT scan to identify mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other symptoms of asbestosis could be similar to mesothelioma, such as a persistent cough and chest pain. They may also include lumps in the abdomen or lungs, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemotherapy, or the possibility of a lung transplant. If you are diagnosed as having asbestosis, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help ease your symptoms and improve your breathing.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis however, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from asbestosis should speak with a physician and follow their instructions. It may be beneficial to join a group of patients who have similar issues.
Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when a person breathes in the microscopic fibres that make up the deadly substance. These fibres are entangled in the lungs, causing them to stiffen and scar. The affected individuals will have difficulty breathing and will feel chest pain, lumps, fatigue, coughing, and difficulty walking down stairs. They may not have the same energy they did previously have, and their fingernails and toenails may appear larger or rounder than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms usually show up after a period of 20 years or more following exposure. It can take doctors an extended time to diagnose asbestosis, and sometimes it is mistaken for conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis or idiopathic lung fibrosis. Doctors employ a stethoscope to listen to the lungs and if they notice crackling sounds or see lung tissue damage, they could suspect asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will reveal the lungs and determine if they are whitish. A pulmonary function test will determine the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen.
The only way to prevent further lung damage is to avoid asbestos and secondhand smoke. If you have a history of asbestos exposure it is recommended that you see your family doctor when you begin to notice breathlessness. Your doctor will probably refer you to a pulmonary specialist. The specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier or suggest an organ transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can help a patient bring an action against the businesses that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These firms have handled asbestos cases before and are familiar with companies as well as the products and occupations that lead to exposure. They are also able to connect patients with mesothelioma attorneys doctors and cancer centers.
Compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit will cover the cost of treatment and other financial losses. It can also provide support to the families of those who have died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
An experienced mesothelioma attorneys lawyer can examine the specifics of a patient’s exposure asbestos and determine if they qualify for an asbestos trust fund payout or mesothelioma trial settlement. They can also assist patients and their families in applying for SSDI or VA benefits.
It can take years before the symptoms of asbestosis show up and it can be difficult for people to recognize they have a medical issue. The condition can lead to complications such as difficulties breathing, pain in the fingers and toes, as well as a persistent cough.
A mesothelioma suit against a company that deliberately put workers at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness can benefit victims and their families. The money from lawsuits could be used to cover living and caregiving costs. Compensation can also be used to pay funeral expenses. Asbestos victims should seek legal action as soon as is possible to ensure their case is filed within the prescribed time of limitations. A mesothelioma lawyer can be capable of explaining the law in detail and assist victims or their families to file a lawsuit with the appropriate court. The earlier a claim is made, the greater the chances of receiving a settlement through an asbestos trust fund.
