Other Asbestos Related Diseases

There are other asbestos related diseases besides mesothelioma. Two additional and common diseases related to asbestos are asbestosis and lung cancer. These other asbestos related diseases are also a result of being exposed to asbestos for an undetermined amount of time. Sometimes it can take upwards of 30 years before a person will experience any symptoms. The following is a basic overview of asbestosis and lung cancer.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is caused by being exposed to asbestos long enough for its particles to enter the body, specifically the lungs. Symptoms associated with this disease may not become apparent until 15 years from the first exposure to asbestos. One of the first symptoms of asbestosis can be difficulty with breathing. Following this symptom are more progressive symptoms such as chest pains and coughing. Asbestosis, like other asbestos related diseases, can be detected by a chest radiograph. There are other tests performed to diagnose asbestosis which is dependent on how far the disease has progressed. There is not a specific treatment for asbestosis per se, but there are treatments for the different symptoms that will occur.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can also be linked to exposure to asbestos. There are some that believe that lung cancer can follow someone who already has asbestosis, however, there is some evidence that lung cancer can exist without asbestosis. Symptoms of lung cancer can include chest pain and swelling. Usually the cancer occurs in the lower part of the lungs; however, if it affects the laryngeal nerve, a patient’s voice may change. Like other asbestos related diseases, there is not a lot of treatment available for the disease itself, but there are treatments for pain and other symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to asbestos, it is important for you to know your rights. In fact, if you are going to select an attorney to help you with a claim, it is important to do diagnostic tests that are required in your states’ legal system, and your attorney will be able to help you identify those tests and guide you through the process of protecting your rights. Exposing someone to asbestos unreasonably is wrong in the eyes of the law, and it creates potential liability for those who are responsible for such exposure. Let an experienced attorney help you with your situation today, before the law prevents you from making a justifiable claim.