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 for symptoms to show up.

Mesothelioma lawyers help patients receive legal compensation. They are able to file lawsuits, trust fund claims and VA claims for veterans.

Pleural plaques

Pleural plaques can cause thickening of the pleura (the thin layer of skin that lines the chest). They usually do not cause any symptoms and are found incidentally -for example when someone undergoes chest radiography or CT imaging tests to test for another condition such as lung cancer or asbestosis. The fluid surrounding pleural plaques can be seen on the chest radiograph. They may be calcified, meaning that the tissue is hardened and visible on an CT scan.

Pleuropulmonary Plaques are not cancerous but they can increase the chance of developing more serious conditions such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops from the inhalation of 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 use many tools to detect the presence of pleural plaques or pleural disease, including the pulmonary function test. This test assesses how the lungs function, by measuring the quantity of air they hold and the speed at which they can breathe both in and out. The lung can be examined more in depth by a doctor using a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or a computerized Tomography scan (CT).

These tests can be used to detect 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 take a biopsy of the plaques of the pleural region and send them to a laboratory to check for evidence of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous the patient will be given the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Lung cancers

Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed in. The asbestos fibers are stuck in the lungs, causing scar tissue to develop. The scarring makes it difficult to expand the lungs and fill up with fresh air. This can lead to breathing difficulties and dry coughing. This could be accompanied by a crackling sounds. The disease can cause fatigue and weight loss over time. If left untreated, advanced asbestosis cases result in pulmonary hypertension and the development of a swollen toe and fingers.

Most people diagnosed with asbestosis developed the disease after prolonged exposure to asbestos for a long period of time. The disease typically develops 20 to 30 years after asbestos exposure, and the time of latency can be up to 50 years.

Asbestosis isn't curable however there are ways to ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and work history and then performing a physical examination. They also conduct lung scans using imaging and lung function tests. If scarring is evident on the scans, doctors can determine asbestosis.

The best way to treat asbestosis is to avoid any new asbestos exposure. Smoking cigarettes can be harmful for those with this condition as it can cause further lung damage. Patients can also consider an exercise program for pulmonary rehabilitation under the supervision of a doctor to learn about breathing exercises and healthy eating. If there is an accumulation of fluid around the lungs doctors can perform a non-invasive procedure known as thoracentesis that helps drain the fluid. Certain patients may require oxygen therapy to breathe. If the illness is severe or if additional lung diseases like emphysema are present, a lung donation may be considered.

Symptoms

Asbestos fibres can be encased in the lung tissue of a patient and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that make breathing difficult. This condition, known as asbestosis, is among more than 200 types of interstitial lung disease. It is often referred as an occupational lung disease since it typically is seen in people who worked with or around asbestos prior to 1970 when regulations of the government restricted exposure.

The signs of asbestosis include a dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening in the chest or abdomen. Pleural effusion is an additional early sign of asbestosis. It is a fluid accumulation in the chest or lungs. Other symptoms may be lumps in the lungs or chest wall or rib cage, fatigue or a loss of appetite. The symptoms can range 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 notice crackling sounds on their stethoscope, referred to as rales, they are able to detect asbestosis. Chest X-rays and lung function tests can help determine the severity of lung damage.

Doctors can order an CT scan or biopsy to identify mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lung's lining and abdomen as well as the chest. Other symptoms of asbestosis can be similar to mesothelioma, like a constant cough and chest pain. They may also include lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma treatment options are chemotherapy, surgery or lung transplants. If you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor can prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms and improve your breathing.

Treatment

There is no cure for asbestosis but treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition should consult with a healthcare provider and follow their doctor's advice. They may also find that joining a support group that includes others who suffer from similar issues could be beneficial.

Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when someone breathes in the microscopic fibres that make up the deadly material. The fibres get stuck in the lungs and cause them to stiffen and scar. The affected people will experience difficulty breathing, and may experience chest pain and fatigue, as well as lumps and coughing. They may also have difficulty climbing stairs. They will not feel as energetic as they did in the past, and their fingernails and toenails may appear larger or rounder than usual (clubbing of the fingers).

Symptoms usually show up after a latent period 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 diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis or idiopathic lung fibrisis. Doctors listen to the lungs with an stethoscope. If they hear crackling sounds or see lung tissue damage they might be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will reveal the lungs, and also if they are pale. A pulmonary function test can assess the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen.

Avoiding secondhand smoke and asbestos is the only way to avoid any further lung damage. If you have a prior exposure to asbestos consult your family physician immediately if you notice breathing problems. Your health care provider is likely to refer you to a specialist in lung problems. The specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier or recommend an organ transplant.

Compensation

A mesothelioma lawyer may help a patient bring an action against the companies accountable for their exposure to asbestos. These firms have expertise handling asbestos claims and have knowledge of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They can also assist patients find mesothelioma cancer centers and doctors.

Compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit (Learn Even more) will cover the cost of treatment and other financial losses. It also provides assistance to families of those who have died from mesothelioma or any asbestos-related diseases.

A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will 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 also assist patients and their families in applying for SSDI or VA benefits.

Asbestosis-related symptoms can develop for after a long period of exposure, making it difficult to recognize the presence of a problem. The condition can lead to complications like difficulty breathing, clubbing in the fingers and the toes, and persistent cough.

A mesothelioma suit against a company that deliberately put workers at risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease could help victims and their families. The money obtained from a lawsuit could be used to provide caregiving and living costs. Compensation can be used to pay for funeral expenses. Asbestos victims should seek legal action as soon as possible to ensure that their lawsuit is filed within the prescribed time of limitations. An attorney for mesothelioma attorneys can explain the law and help victims or their families file a lawsuit at the appropriate court. The earlier a lawsuit is filed and a case is filed, the more likely it is to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma verdict.