A Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help

Inhaling asbestos fibers as small as 0.1 microns can cause mesothelioma. The disease causes lung inflammation and long-term scarring. It can take 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.

Mesothelioma lawyers help victims get legal compensation. They file lawsuits, trust fund claims and VA claims for veterans.

Pleural plaques

Pleural plaques are the result of thickening on the pleura (the thin layer of skin that lines the chest). They rarely cause symptoms and are discovered by chance, for instance, when a person is undergoing chest radiography or CT scanning to look for other conditions such as lung cancer or asbestosis. The fluid surrounding pleural plaques can be seen on an image of the chest. They can be classified as calcified, which means the tissue is hardened and can be observed on a CT scan.

Pleuropulmonary plaques do not count as cancerous, but they can increase the likelihood of developing other more serious conditions like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the exposure to asbestos fibers. It is the only type of mesothelioma that is caused by asbestos exposure. Patients suffering from this condition are advised to inform their doctor about their asbestos exposure history.

Doctors use many instruments to identify the presence of pleural plaques and pleural disease, including the pulmonary function test. This measure examines how well the lungs function by measuring the amount of air that the lungs can hold and how fast they can breathe in and out. Doctors can also use a computerized tomography scan (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine the lungs more clearly.

These tests can assist doctors to detect asbestos in the lungs. They don't confirm if the pleural lesions are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can take a biopsy of the plaques of the pleural region and send them to a laboratory to examine for signs of cancer. If the pleural plaques are cancerous, then the patient will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Lung cancers

Asbestosis is a lung condition that develops when tiny fibers of asbestos are inhaled. The fibers become lodged in the lungs and cause scar tissue to grow. This scarring makes it hard for the lungs to expand and fill with fresh air. This can lead to breathing problems and dry coughing. Crackling sounds can accompany the coughing. The disease can cause fatigue and weight loss over time. Untreated, advanced asbestosis can lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension, achy feet and fingers, as well as a weakening of the immune system.

Most people who are diagnosed with asbestosis develop the disease after exposure to asbestos over a lengthy period of time. The disease typically develops between 20 and 30 years after asbestos settlement exposure. The latency time can be up to 50 years.

Asbestosis isn't curable however there are ways to lessen the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. Doctors diagnose asbestosis by asking about symptoms and histories and performing a physical examination. They also conduct imaging scans of the lungs and lung function tests. If scarring is visible on the scans, doctors can diagnose asbestosis.

The best way to treat asbestosis is to avoid new exposures to asbestos. Smoking cigarettes can be hazardous for those with this condition because it can cause further lung damage. A patient can also try a pulmonary rehabilitation program under the supervision of a physician to learn about breathing exercises and healthy eating. If a person has fluid buildup around the lungs doctors can perform a noninvasive procedure known as thoracentesis, to drain the fluid. Some patients will need oxygen therapy to breathe. If the illness is severe or if other lung diseases such as Emphysema are present, lung donation might be considered.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos fibers can lodge in lung tissue which can cause inflammation scarring, stiffness, and swelling. This can make breathing difficult. This condition is called asbestosis and is one of over 200 types of interstitial pulmonary disease. This condition is also referred to as occupational lung disease because it affects people who have worked with asbestos or exposed to asbestos prior to the year 1970, when the regulations of the government made asbestos exposure a thing of the past.

The signs of asbestosis include dry cough, difficulty breathing and a tightening of the abdomen or chest. Pleural effusion is another early sign of asbestosis. It is a fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest. Other symptoms may be lumps in the lungs or chest wall, pain around the rib cage, fatigue and an inability to eat. Symptoms range from mild to severe.

Those who experience lung problems should consult their physician immediately. The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about their history with asbestos. If they hear crackling sound on their stethoscope called rales, they are able to diagnose asbestosis. Chest X-rays and lung function testing can also aid in determining the extent of lung damage.

Doctors may request a CT scan or biopsy to determine if mesothelioma is present. The cancer affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen as well as the chest. Other symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of asbestosis, and may include a persistent cough, chest pain lumps in the lungs, belly and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, or lung transplants. If you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor can prescribe medications to help ease your symptoms and improve your breathing.

Treatment

Asbestosis is not curable However, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Patients with this condition should work with a medical professional and follow the advice of their physician. It could be beneficial to join a group of patients who have similar issues.

Asbestosis develops when an individual breathes in the microscopic fibers that comprise the deadly material. The fibres get stuck in the lungs and cause them to stiffen and scar. People who are affected may have trouble breathing, and will feel pain or lumps in the chest as well as fatigue, coughing, and difficulty walking up stairs. They might not be as energetic as before they were, and their toenails as well as fingernails appear bigger or more round.

Symptoms typically show up after a period of 20 years or more after exposure. Doctors may need a long time before diagnosing asbestosis. It is often mistaken for other conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Doctors employ a stethoscope to listen to the lungs and if they hear a variety of crackling sounds or notice lung tissue damage, they may be able to identify asbestosis. A high-resolution CT will show you the lungs, and if they are whitish. The lungs' ability to take in oxygen will be assessed using a pulmonary function test.

The only way to prevent further lung damage is to stay away from asbestos and secondhand smoke. If you've had a history of exposure to asbestos consult your family physician as soon as you experience breathing problems. Your doctor might refer you to a pulmonary specialist. The specialist might prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better or recommend a lung transplant.

Compensation

A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patient file a lawsuit against the companies accountable for their exposure to asbestos settlement. These firms have expertise handling asbestos lawsuit (my review here) lawsuits and are aware of the companies, products and high-risk occupations that lead to exposure. They are also able to connect patients with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers.

Compensation for mesothelioma could pay for medical expenses and other financial losses. It also provides support to the families of people who have died from mesothelioma or any asbestos-related diseases.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can analyze the details of the exposure of a patient to asbestos and determine if they qualify for a payout from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma settlement trial. They can assist patients and their families with applying for SSDI or VA benefits.

It can take a long time before asbestosis symptoms develop, making it difficult for people to recognize they are suffering from a medical condition. The condition can lead to complications like difficulty breathing, clubbing in the fingers and toes, and persistent cough.

A mesothelioma suit against companies which put their workers at risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses can aid families and victims. The money derived from a lawsuit could be used to pay for caregiving and living expenses. Compensation can cover funeral expenses. Asbestos sufferers 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 can explain the law and help victims or families file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The earlier a claim is filed the better the likelihood of receiving a payment through an asbestos trust fund.