A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. This disease can cause long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs. It can take 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
Mesothelioma attorneys help victims receive legal compensation. They file lawsuits and trust fund claims in addition to VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are areas of thickening in the pleura, which is the thin layer that runs along the inside of the chest. They generally don’t cause any discomfort and are often discovered by accident- for example when a patient undergoes chest radiography or CT imaging tests to test for a different condition, such as lung cancer or asbestosis. The fluid that surrounds pleural plaques can be seen on an image of the chest. They may also be calcified. This means that the tissue has gotten hard and is visible on the CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary plaques are not considered cancerous, but they do raise a person’s risk of developing more serious illnesses like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only form of mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos and a person with this diagnosis must inform their physician of their history of asbestos exposure.
Doctors employ a variety of tools to detect the presence of pleural plaques and pleural disease, including the pulmonary function test. This test examines the way the lungs work by measuring the amount of air that the lungs can hold and how fast they can breathe in and out. The lungs can be examined more in depth by a doctor by using a magnetic resonance scan (MRI) or a computerized Tomography scan (CT).
These tests may help doctors to detect asbestos in the lung. They cannot determine if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of the plaques in the pleural cavity and send them to a laboratory to check for evidence of cancer. If the pleural plaques show signs of cancer the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a lung condition that occurs when tiny particles from asbestos materials are inhaled. The asbestos fibers encase the lungs, causing scar tissue to develop. The scarring makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and fill with fresh air. This can lead to breathing problems and dry coughing. Crackling sounds can accompany the coughing. The disease can lead to weight loss and fatigue over time. If left untreated, advanced asbestosis may result in the development of pulmonary hypertension, achy feet and fingers as well as a weakened immune system.
Most people diagnosed with asbestosis were diagnosed after exposure to asbestos for a long period of time. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after exposure to asbestos. The latency period can be up to 50 years.
It’s not possible to cure asbestosis, but there are treatments that can alleviate symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and histories, and also conducting a physical examination. They also conduct imaging scans of the lungs and lung function tests. If scarring is visible on imaging scans then doctors can diagnose asbestosis.
The best method of treating asbestosis is to stay clear of any new exposure to asbestos. Smoking is also dangerous for those suffering from this condition, as it can further damage the lungs. Patients may also opt to try an exercise program for pulmonary rehabilitation under the supervision of a physician to learn about breathing exercises and healthy eating. Doctors can carry out a non-invasive procedure known as thoracentesis, if the lungs of a person are clogged with fluid. Some patients may require oxygen therapy to help with breathing. If the illness is severe or other lung diseases such as Emphysema are present, lung donation might be considered.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can get lodged in a person’s lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that make breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis and is among over 200 forms of interstitial lung disease. The condition is also known as occupational lung disease, since it affects people who have worked with asbestos or were around asbestos prior to 1970, when the regulations of the government restricted exposure.
The signs of asbestosis include a dry cough, difficulty breathing, and tightening of the abdomen or chest. Fluid buildup in the chest cavity or lungs is another sign that can be seen early and is referred to as the pleural effusion. Other signs could include lumps in the lungs or chest wall or rib cage, fatigue and an inability to eat. The symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Anyone who has lung issues should consult their physician immediately. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about their history with asbestos. If they hear crackling sound on their stethoscope called rales, they are able to detect asbestosis. Chest X-rays and tests for lung function can also show the extent of lung damage and determine how well your lungs are functioning.
In certain cases doctors will request an x-ray or CT scan to identify mesothelioma, which is a kind of cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other signs of asbestosis may 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 chemotherapy, surgery or a lung transplant. If you’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis, a physician will prescribe medication to assist with your symptoms and improve your breathing capabilities.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis however, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. People who have this condition should consult with a medical professional and follow the advice of their physician. It is also possible that joining a support group with other patients who have similar problems could be beneficial.
Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when a person breathes in the tiny fibers that comprise the deadly material. The fibres are entangled in the lungs, causing them to get scarred and stiff. The affected sufferers will have difficulty breathing, and may suffer from lumps or pain in the chest, fatigue, coughing and difficulty climbing stairs. They might not have the same energy as they did previously they were, and their toenails as well as fingernails appear bigger or more round.
Symptoms typically show up after a period of 20 years or more following exposure. Doctors can take longer to diagnose asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis. Doctors use a stethoscope to examine the lungs and if they notice crackling sounds or see lung tissue damage, they may think that asbestosis is the cause. A high-resolution CT scan will show the lung’s lungs and whether they are sporting a white appearance. A pulmonary function test will assess the lungs’ capacity to absorb oxygen.
Avoiding asbestos and secondhand smoking is the only way to prevent further lung injury. If you have a previous exposure to asbestos consult your family physician as soon as you experience shortness of breathe. Your doctor will probably recommend you to a lung specialist. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better or suggest an organ transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma attorney can help patients bring a suit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. They have handled asbestos lawsuits and are aware of the products, companies and high-risk jobs that led to exposure. They can also help patients locate mesothelioma centers and physicians.
Compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit can cover treatment expenses and other financial losses. It also offers assistance to the families of those who have died from mesothelioma or any asbestos-related diseases.
A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can analyze the details of a patient’s exposure asbestos and determine whether they are eligible for an asbestos trust fund settlement or mesothelioma lawsuit. They can assist patients and their families in applying for SSDI or VA benefits.
Asbestosis symptoms can manifest years after exposure and can be difficult to recognize an issue. The condition can cause complications like difficulties breathing, pain in the fingers and the toes, and persistent cough.
A mesothelioma lawsuits suit against a company who deliberately put their employees at risk of contracting an asbestos-related illness could help victims and their families. The money resulting from a lawsuit may be used to pay for the cost of living and caring for others. Compensation can also be used to pay funeral expenses. Asbestos victims must start legal proceedings as soon as they can in order to ensure they file their claim before the time limit expires. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain the laws and help victims or families file a suit in the appropriate court. The earlier a claim is made the better the chances of receiving a settlement through an asbestos trust fund.
