Asbestos Injury
MESOTHELIOMA |
LUNG CANCER | ASBESTOSIS
| PLEURAL DISEASE
|
OTHER CANCERS | MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT |
PLEURAL DISEASE
Probably the most common asbestos-related illness is asbestos-related
pleural disease. Also called pleural asbestosis, pleural plaques
or pleural thickening, it is a scarring of the lining of the
lung caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related pleural disease
has a long latency period (10 to 30 or more years from first
exposure) and can be detected on a chest x-ray or CT-scan. Like
pulmonary asbestosis, asbestos-related pleural disease is untreatable
and incurable.
There are many different degrees of asbestos-related pleural
disease. Discrete, small areas of pleural scarring are called
pleural plaques. While they usually begin as very small areas
of scarring, they can grow over time, and become calcified and
hard. Pleural plaques alone are usually not symptomatic, but
they can be.
Diffuse pleural thickening is the scarring of a large area
of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos. While there can
also be no symptoms suffered by a person with diffuse pleural
thickening, it is more likely that someone with this injury
will experience shortness of breath. Over time, the amount of
the lining of the lung that becomes scarred can grow, constricting
the lungs and making it more difficult to take a breath.
While much more rare than pleural plaques or pleural thickening,
atelectasis can also be caused by exposure to asbestos. Atelectasis
is pleural scarring that causes a portion of the lung to fold
onto itself, usually causing pain and discomfort with each breath.
Pulmonary asbestosis and asbestos-related pleural disease
are often not recognized on chest x-rays and CT-scans reviewed
by radiologists and pulmonologists. Specially trained doctors
who are certified by the National Institute of Safety and Health
(NIOSH) (who are called "B" readers) may sometimes
detect asbestos-induced x-ray changes that other doctors miss.
It is generally recommended that anyone who has been occupationally
exposed to asbestos have a chest x-ray taken every 18 to 24
months and reviewed by a certified "B" reader or someone
experienced in diagnosing asbestos-related diseases.
Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know is suffering from lung cancer and/or
lung disease asbestosis, mesothelioma or other asbestos related
diseases caused by asbestos or asbestos containing products,
you may be eligible to file a claim.
CLICK
HERE TO CONTACT THE ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA LAWYERS NOW
FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION, OR CALL US AT 1-800-955-0815.
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