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 up to 30 years for symptoms to appear.
mesothelioma lawsuits lawyers help victims get legal compensation. They make lawsuits and trust fund claims as well as VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the result of thickening on the pleura (the thin layer that runs inside the chest). Generally, they don't cause any discomfort and are only discovered infrequentlyfor example, when a person gets chest radiography or CT imaging tests to check for another condition such as asbestosis or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are typically covered in fluid and can be slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They can be calcified, meaning that the tissue has hardened and can be seen on the CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary Plaques do not cause cancer however they may increase the chance of developing more serious diseases like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers is a rare kind of cancer. It is the only type of mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos and those diagnosed with this disease should inform their doctor of the history of asbestos exposure.
Doctors use many instruments to identify the presence of pleural plaques and pleural disease including the pulmonary function test. This test examines the way the lungs work by measuring how much air the lungs can hold and how fast they can breathe in and out. Doctors may also utilize a computerized tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to see the lungs more clearly.
These tests can assist doctors identify asbestos in the lung. They don't determine if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can biopsy lesions of the pleural wall and send them to a lab to look for indications of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous, then the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed in. The asbestos fibers get trapped in the lungs and cause scar tissue to form. This scarring makes it hard to expand the lungs and fill with fresh air. This can lead to breathing problems and dry coughing. Crackling sounds could accompany the coughing. The condition can cause fatigue and weight loss over time. Untreated, advanced asbestosis can cause pulmonary hypertension, clubbed feet and fingers as well as an impaired immune system.
Most people who are diagnosed with asbestosis developed the disease after prolonged exposure to asbestos for a long period of time. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after asbestos exposure. The latency period can last up to 50 years.
Asbestosis cannot be treated however there are ways to ease the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose the condition by asking patients about their symptoms and work history and performing a physical exam. They also request lung function and imaging scans tests. If scarring is visible on the scans, doctors can diagnose asbestosis.
The best way to treat asbestosis is to stay clear of any new exposure to asbestos. Smoking is also dangerous for those suffering from the condition, as it can cause further damage to lungs. Under the supervision of a doctor, a patient can also take part in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to learn breathing exercises and a healthy diet. Doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure called thoracentesis when the lungs of a person are clogged with fluid. Some patients may need oxygen therapy to aid with breathing. If the disease is severe or if additional lung diseases, such as emphysema are present, a lung donation could be considered.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can get lodged in a person's lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis and is one of over 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 prior to 1970 when regulations of the government restricted exposure.
The symptoms of asbestosis can include a dry cough, difficulty breathing, and tightening of the chest or abdomen. Pleural effusion is an additional early sign of asbestosis. It is a fluid buildup in the chest or lungs. Other symptoms include lumps in the chest or lungs, pain around the ribs, fatigue, and a loss appetite. Symptoms can be mild to severe.
People suffering from lung problems must consult their physician immediately. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure and conduct an exam. It is possible to diagnose asbestosis if they hear crackling sounds from their stethoscope, referred to as rales. Chest X rays and lung function tests can aid in determining the extent of lung damage.
In some cases, doctors will order an x-ray or CT scan to diagnose mesothelioma. It is a kind of cancer that affects the lining which protects the lungs, chest or abdomen. Other symptoms of asbestosis can be similar to mesothelioma lawsuits such as a persistent cough and chest pain. There are also lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness breath. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy or a lung transplant. If you're diagnosed as having asbestosis, your doctor can prescribe medication that will aid in easing your symptoms and improve your breathing.
Treatment
Asbestosis cannot be treated, but treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from asbestosis should speak with a physician and follow his or her recommendations. It is also possible that joining a support group with other patients who have similar issues could be beneficial.
Asbestosis develops when an individual breathes in microscopic fibres that make up the deadly material. The fibres become stuck in the lungs, which causes them to get scarred and stiff. People who are affected may have trouble breathing, and may feel pain or lumps in the chest or coughing, fatigue, and having difficulty climbing stairs. They won't feel as energetic as they did in the past, and their fingernails and toenails might look enlarged or rounder than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms typically show up after a latent period of 20 years or more after exposure. Doctors can take longer to diagnose asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors employ a stethoscope to examine the lungs and if they hear crackling sounds or detect lung tissue damage, they might think that asbestosis is the cause. A high-resolution CT will show you the lungs, and also if they are pale. A pulmonary function test can assess the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and asbestos is the only way to avoid any further lung damage. If you've had a history of exposure to asbestos, see your family physician as soon as you experience breathing problems. Your health care provider will likely refer you to an expert in lung issues. The doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better or recommend an organ transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawsuits attorney can help patients bring a suit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. These firms have experience handling asbestos-related claims and are aware of the products, companies and high-risk occupations that led to exposure. They are also able to connect patients with mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers.
The money received from a mesothelioma suit can cover treatment expenses and other financial losses. It also provides support to the families of those who have died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney will review the specifics of a patient's asbestos exposure and determine if they are eligible to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or mesothelioma settlement trial. They can also assist patients and their loved ones apply for VA benefits or SSDI payments.
It can take a long time before the symptoms of asbestosis show up which makes it difficult for people to identify they are suffering from a medical condition. However, the condition could cause complications including difficulty breathing and snoring of fingers and toes as well as a persistent cough.
A mesothelioma suit against companies which put their workers at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease can aid families and victims. The funds from lawsuits could be used to cover expenses for caregiving and living. Compensation can cover funeral expenses. Asbestos victims should seek legal action as soon as possible to ensure that their case is filed within the statute of limitations. A mesothelioma attorney can explain the laws and help victims or families file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The earlier a lawsuit is filed and a case is filed, the more likely it will be to receive a payout from an asbestos trust fund or mesothelioma lawyer decision.