Louise Sand asked 9 months ago
A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
Inhaling asbestos fibers as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. This disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It can take 30 years for symptoms to show up.
Mesothelioma lawyers help patients receive legal compensation. They are able to file lawsuits and trust fund claims in addition to VA claims for veterans.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the result of thickening on the pleura (the thin layer that lines inside the chest). They usually do not cause symptoms, and are often discovered incidentally, for example when a patient undergoes chest radiography or CT scanning to look for other conditions, such as lung cancer or asbestosis. Pleural plaques are usually filled with fluid and can be slightly visible on an x-ray of the chest. They can be classified as calcified, which means the tissue has hardened and can be observed on an CT scan.
Pleuropulmonary plaques do not count as cancerous, however they increase the likelihood of developing more serious conditions, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the exposure to asbestos fibers. This is the only form of mesothelioma that is caused by asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with this disease are advised to inform their doctor of their asbestos exposure history.
Doctors employ a variety of tools to diagnose the presence of pleural plaques or pleural disease including the pulmonary function test. This test examines the way the lungs function by assessing how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly they breathe in and out. Doctors can also use a computerized tomography scan (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine the lungs in more detail.
These tests can help doctors detect asbestos in the lungs. They cannot confirm if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of pleural lesions and send them to a laboratory to determine if there are indications of cancer. If the pleural plaques show signs of cancer the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Lung cancers
Asbestosis can occur when asbestos settlement fibers are inhaled. The fibers lodge in the lungs, causing scar tissue to develop. The scarring makes it difficult for the lung to expand and be filled with fresh air. This can lead to breathing difficulties and dry coughing, which could be accompanied by a crackling sounds. Over time, the disease leads to weight loss and fatigue. If not treated, advanced asbestosis could lead to chronic pulmonary hypertension, painful feet and fingers as well as an impaired immune system.
The majority of people who are diagnosed with asbestosis have contracted the disease as a result of a prolonged exposure to asbestos legal. The condition usually manifests 20-30 years after asbestos exposure. The latency period can be up to 50 years.
Asbestosis cannot be treated however there are ways to reduce the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. Doctors can diagnose the disease by asking patients about their symptoms and history and performing physical examination. They also conduct lung imaging scans and lung function tests. If signs of scarring are seen on the scans, doctors can make a diagnosis of asbestosis.
The best method to treat asbestosis is to stay clear of any new asbestos exposure. Smoking is also dangerous for those suffering from this condition, as it can cause further damage to the lungs. Under the supervision of a physician the patient can take part in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to learn breathing exercises and healthy eating habits. If a patient has an accumulation of fluid around the lungs doctors can perform a non-invasive procedure known as thoracentesis that helps eliminate the fluid. Some patients will need oxygen therapy to breathe. If the condition becomes serious or if it’s accompanied by other lung diseases such as emphysema, a transplant of the lung can be considered.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can get lodged in the lung tissue of a patient and cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffness that makes breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis and is among over 200 types of interstitial pulmonary diseases. It is often referred to as an occupational lung disease due to the fact that it usually is seen in people who worked with or around Asbestos Claim prior to 1970, when government regulations limited exposure.
The signs of asbestosis include a dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening in the abdomen or chest. The accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or lungs is a different early sign and is known as pleural effusion. Other signs include lumps in the lungs, chest wall, pain around the rib cage, fatigue or an inability to eat. Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
People who suffer from lung problems should consult their physician immediately. The health professional will perform a physical exam and ask about their history with asbestos. If they hear crackling sounds on their stethoscope called rales, they are able to identify asbestosis. Chest X rays and lung function testing can also help determine the extent of lung damage.
Doctors may order a CT scan or biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. The cancer affects the lung’s lining, abdomen, and chest. Other signs of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of asbestosis and include an ongoing cough, chest pain and lumps in the lungs or belly, and breathlessness. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy or the possibility of a lung transplant. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, a physician can prescribe medication to help with symptoms and improve your breathing ability.
Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis however, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with this condition should work with an experienced healthcare professional and follow the advice of their doctor. It could be beneficial to join a group of patients who have similar issues.
Asbestosis develops when a person breathes in the microscopic fibers that comprise the deadly substance. These fibres become stuck in the lungs and cause them to scar and stiffen. The affected individuals will have difficulties breathing and may experience chest pain, lumps, fatigue, coughing, and difficulty walking down stairs. They might not be as energetic as before, and their toenails and fingernails will look larger or rounder.
Symptoms usually show up after a period of 20 years or more after exposure. Doctors may need several years before determining asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors listen to the lungs with an stethoscope. If they hear crackling noises or observe damage to the lung tissue, they might be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT scan will reveal the lung’s structure and whether it has a white appearance. The lungs’ capacity to take in oxygen can be measured through a test for pulmonary function.
Avoiding asbestos and secondhand smoking is the only way to avoid any further lung damage. If you have a prior history of exposure to asbestos, see your family physician whenever you feel shortness of breathe. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist in lung problems. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy or recommend an organ transplant to help you breathe more easily.
Compensation
A mesothelioma lawyer may help patients file an action against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These firms have expertise handling asbestos claims and have knowledge of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that led to exposure. They can also connect patients with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers.
Compensation for mesothelioma can be used to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial losses. It can also help the families of the victims from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can analyze the details of a patient’s asbestos exposure and determine if they qualify for a payout from an asbestos settlement trust fund or a mesothelioma settlement trial. They can also assist patients and their families in applying for SSDI or VA benefits.
It could 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 cause complications including difficulty breathing as well as a numbness of the fingers and toes as well as a persistent cough.
A mesothelioma lawsuit against companies that knowingly put workers at risk of contracting an asbestos-related illness can benefit victims and their families. The money resulting from lawsuits could be used to pay for living and caregiving costs. Compensation can be used to pay for funeral expenses. Asbestos victims should take legal action as quickly as possible to make sure they file their claim before the statute of limitations expires. A mesothelioma lawyer can be capable of explaining the law in detail and assist a victim or their family file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The sooner a claim is filed and filed, the better likelihood of receiving a payment through an asbestos trust fund.
