A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma development. This disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It can take as long as 30 years before symptoms show up.
Mesothelioma attorneys help victims receive legal compensation. They file lawsuits and trust fund claims as well as 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 don't cause any discomfort and are found incidentally -- for example, when a person gets chest radiography or CT imaging tests to test for a condition like asbestosis or lung cancer. The fluid that surrounds 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 aren't cancerous however they may increase the risk of developing serious conditions, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that results from the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only form of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos and those diagnosed with this disease should tell their doctor about their experiences with asbestos exposure.
Doctors use many instruments to identify pleural disease and pleural plaques including the pulmonary function test. This test evaluates how well the lungs function by measuring how much air the lungs can hold and how fast they can breathe in and out. Doctors can also use a computerized tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to view the lungs more clearly.
These tests can be used to determine asbestos in the lungs. However, they cannot confirm if the pleural plaques are cancerous, therefore it is necessary to perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can biopsy the pleural plaques and send them to a laboratory to check for signs of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous, the patient will be given a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed in. The fibers lodge in the lungs, which causes scar tissue to grow. The scarring makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and fill up with fresh air. This can cause breathing problems and dry coughing, which may be accompanied by crackling sounds. In time, the illness leads to weight loss and fatigue. If left untreated, advanced asbestosis cases lead to pulmonary hypertension and painful toes and fingers.
Most people who are diagnosed with asbestosis develop the disease after prolonged exposure to asbestos over a long period of time. The disease usually develops 20-30 years after asbestos exposure. The latency period can be up to 50 years.
It's impossible to treat asbestosis however there are treatments that ease symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose the disease by asking patients about their symptoms as well as their work history, and then performing an examination. They also order imaging scans of the lungs and lung function tests. If scarring is evident on the scans, doctors can diagnose asbestosis.
The best treatment for asbestosis is to stay clear of any new exposures to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes can be hazardous for those with this condition since it could cause lung damage. Under the supervision of a physician, a patient can also be enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to learn breathing exercises and healthy eating habits. If there is an accumulation of fluid around the lungs doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure called thoracentesis to drain the fluid. Certain patients require oxygen therapy for breathing. If the disease becomes severe or if it's accompanied by other lung diseases, such as emphysema, a transplant of the lung can be considered.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibres can be encased in the lung tissue of a patient and cause inflammation, scarring and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition, referred to as asbestosis, is among more than 200 forms of interstitial lung diseases. This condition is also referred to as occupational lung disease because it affects those who have worked with asbestos or in the vicinity of asbestos prior to 1970, when government regulations restricted exposure.
The symptoms of asbestosis can include dry cough, trouble breathing and a tightening of the chest or abdomen. Fluid buildup in the chest cavity or lungs is a different early sign and is referred to as pleural effusion. Other signs include lumps on the chest or lungs or ribs, pain around the ribs fatigue, fatigue, and decrease in appetite. The symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Patients suffering from lung issues should see their doctor as soon as they notice any problems. The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about their history with asbestos. It is possible to diagnose asbestosis when they hear crackling noises on their stethoscope, referred to as rales. Chest X-rays as well as lung function testing can also aid in determining the severity of lung damage.
Doctors may request the CT scan or biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. The cancer affects the lung's lining and abdomen as well as the chest. Other symptoms of asbestosis can be similar to mesothelioma, including a persistent cough and chest pain. There are also lumps in the lungs or abdomen, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy or lung transplants. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, a doctor can prescribe medication to help with symptoms and improve your breathing capacity.
Treatment
Asbestosis is not curable However, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition should consult with a healthcare provider and follow the advice of their physician. It could be beneficial to join a group of patients with similar problems.
Asbestosis is a condition that occurs when an individual inhale the tiny fibers that make up the deadly substance. These fibres get stuck in the lungs, causing them to become scarred and stiff. The affected people will experience difficulty breathing and will suffer from chest pain and fatigue, as well as lumps and coughing. They also may have difficulties walking up down stairs. They may not have the same energy they used to be, and their fingernails as well as toenails could appear bigger or rounded than usual (clubbing of the fingers).
Symptoms typically appear within 20 years of exposure. Doctors may take several years before determining asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors employ a stethoscope to listen to the lungs and if they notice crackling sounds or notice lung tissue damage, they might think that asbestosis is the cause. A high-resolution CT scan will show the lung's structure and whether it has a white appearance. The lungs' ability to take in oxygen can be assessed using a pulmonary function test.
The only way to avoid further lung damage is to avoid asbestos and secondhand smoke. If you have a prior exposure to asbestos, see your family physician as soon as you experience shortness of breathe. Your doctor will likely refer you a specialist in lung problems. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better or suggest a lung transplant.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patient file an action against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. They have handled asbestos-related claims and are aware of the products, companies and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They can also help patients connect with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers.
Compensation for mesothelioma can be used to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial losses. It also aids the families of those who died from mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review the details about a patient's asbestos exposure and determine if they qualify to receive a payment from an asbestos trust fund or mesothelioma settlement trial. They can assist patients and their families when applying for SSDI or VA benefits.
It can take years before symptoms of asbestosis appear which makes it difficult for people to recognize that they have a medical problem. However, the condition could result in complications such as difficulty breathing as well as a numbness of the fingers and toes, and a persistent cough.
A mesothelioma lawsuit against companies that knowingly put workers at risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease can benefit victims and their families. The money obtained from a lawsuit could be used to provide caregiving and living costs. Compensation can cover funeral expenses. Pembroke Pines asbestos attorneys should initiate legal action as fast as they can to ensure that their case is filed before the time limit expires. A mesothelioma lawyer is competent to explain the law in detail and assist victims or their families to file a lawsuit with the appropriate court. The earlier a lawsuit is filed, the more likely it will be to receive a payout from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma decision.
