A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. The disease causes long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs. It could take up to 30 years for symptoms to appear.
Mesothelioma lawyers help victims get legal compensation. They are able to file lawsuits, trust fund claims and VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are areas of pleura thickening which is the thin layer that lines the inside of the chest. They generally don't cause any symptoms and are only discovered infrequently- for example when a patient undergoes chest radiography or CT imaging tests to look for another condition such as asbestosis or lung cancer. The fluid surrounding pleural plaques can be seen on an image of the chest. They can also be calcified. This means that the tissue has hardened and is visible on the CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques are not cancerous however they may increase the risk of developing serious conditions such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only type of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with this disease are advised to inform their doctor about their asbestos exposure history.
Doctors make use of a variety of instruments to identify pleural disease and pleural plaques including the pulmonary function test. This test evaluates how well the lungs function by assessing the quantity of air they hold and the speed at which they breathe outside and in. The lung 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 determine asbestos in the lungs. They don't determine if the pleural plaques are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can perform a biopsy of plaques of the pleural region and send them to a laboratory to check for evidence 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 breathed in. The fibers become lodged in the lungs, causing scar tissue to develop. This scarring makes it hard for the lungs to expand and fill with fresh air. This can cause breathing problems and dry coughing, which may be accompanied by crackling sounds. The condition can cause fatigue and weight loss over time. Untreated, advanced asbestosis can cause the development of pulmonary hypertension, achy feet and fingers as well as a weakening of the immune system.
The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis have been diagnosed with the disease after a prolonged exposure to asbestos. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after asbestos exposure, and the latency period can last up to 50 years.
Asbestosis cannot be treated however there are ways to lessen the symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and histories, and also performing a physical examination. They also conduct lung imaging scans and lung function tests. If evidence of scarring is seen on scans of the imaging doctors can make a diagnosis of asbestosis.
The most effective method of treating asbestosis is to avoid any further exposure to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes can be harmful for those who have this condition as it can cause further lung damage. 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 perform a non-invasive procedure known as thoracentesis, if the lungs of a patient are blocked with fluid. Certain patients may require oxygen therapy to aid with breathing. If the condition becomes serious or if it's accompanied by other lung diseases, such as emphysema, a lung transplant is a possibility.
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, referred to as asbestosis, is among more than 200 forms of interstitial lung diseases. It is often referred as an occupational lung disease due to the fact that it usually occurs in those who worked around or with asbestos before 1970 when regulations of the government restricted exposure.
The signs of asbestosis include a dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening of the abdomen or chest. Fluid buildup in the chest cavity or lungs is a different early sign and is referred to as Pleural effusion. Other signs could include lumps in the lungs or chest wall or rib cage, fatigue or a loss of appetite. The symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Those with lung problems should consult their doctor immediately. The doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure and perform an examination. If they hear crackling sound on their stethoscope called rales, they can identify asbestosis. Chest X-rays and lung function testing can also aid in determining the severity of lung damage.
In certain cases, doctors will order a biopsy or a CT scan to identify mesothelioma lawyers. It is a form of cancer that affects the lining which protects the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other signs of asbestosis may be similar to mesothelioma such as a persistent cough and chest pain. It could also be accompanied by lumps in the lungs or abdomen and shortness of breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgery or an organ transplant. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your physician can prescribe medication that will help ease your symptoms and improve breathing.
Treatment
Asbestosis is not curable however treatment can lessen symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from asbestosis should consult an expert physician and follow his or her instructions. They might also find that joining a support group that includes others with similar issues could be beneficial.
Asbestosis occurs when someone inhale microscopic fibers that comprise this deadly material. The fibres are entangled in the lungs, which causes them to get scarred and stiff. The affected people will experience difficulty breathing and will feel chest pain, lumps, fatigue, coughing, and difficulty walking on stairs. They may not have the same energy as they did before they were, and their toenails as well as fingernails may appear larger or rounder.
Symptoms typically show up after a time of 20 years or more following exposure. It can take doctors an extended time to identify asbestosis, and in some cases it is mistaken for conditions such as emphysema, chronic lung bronchitis or idiopathic lung fibrosis. Doctors use a stethoscope examine the lungs and if they hear a variety of crackling sounds or detect lung tissue damage, they may think that asbestosis is the cause. A high-resolution CT scan will reveal the lungs and whether they have an appearance of white. A pulmonary function test will determine the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen.
Avoiding asbestos and secondhand smoking is the only way to avoid further lung injury. If you've had a history of exposure to asbestos consult your family physician as soon as you experience breath shortness. Your doctor is likely to refer you to a specialist in lung problems. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier or suggest an organ transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients file a lawsuit against the companies accountable for their exposure to asbestos. They have handled asbestos lawsuits and are aware of the products, companies and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They can also help patients locate mesothelioma lawsuits cancer clinics and doctors.
Compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit will cover the cost of treatment and other financial losses. It also offers support to the families of people who have died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can review the details about a patient's asbestos exposure and determine if they are eligible to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma settlement trial. They can also help patients and their families apply for VA benefits or SSDI payments.
It could take years before asbestosis symptoms develop which makes it difficult for people to realize they are suffering from a medical condition. However, the condition can cause problems such as breathing difficulties, clubbing of the fingers and toes and persistent cough.
A mesothelioma lawsuit against companies that knowingly put workers at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness could help victims and their families. The funds from the lawsuit could be used to cover the cost of living and caring for others. Compensation can also be used to pay funeral expenses. Asbestos sufferers should seek legal action as soon as they can to ensure their case is filed within the prescribed time of limitations. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain the law and help victims or their families file a suit in the appropriate court. The earlier a lawsuit is filed and filed, the more likely it is to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma court decision.