Utah Asbestos Personal Injury Attorney
Asbestos Diseases
Mesothelioma – Although many people think Mesothelioma is lung cancer, it is actually cancer of membrane that surrounds the lung. As a malignant cancer, Mesothelioma is extremely dangerous. It attacks membrane lining of the lung, cavity of the chest, abdominal cavity and lining around major organs (heart, stomach, liver, testicles, etc.) When the cancer attacks the lung lining it is referred to as Pleural Mesothelioma. When the cancer attacks the abdominal cavity it’s called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. If caught early, surgery may be able to remove much of the cancerous tissue. Usually chemotherapy treatment and radiation is applied after surgery to prolong one’s life. Unfortunately, Mesothelioma is usually always fatal.
Asbestosis – Asbestosis is caused by the thickening of the lung lining (called the Pleura) within the chest cavity, which causes the lung to bond to the chest. Symptoms include coughing, pain in the chest, shortness of breath or a tight feeling in the chest. During diagnosis, the doctor will check the lungs and listen for a crackling sound. If evident, an x-ray, CT scan or a pulmonary test is conducted to verify the Asbestosis. There is currently no cure for asbestosis, although a number of treatments are available to help lessen the symptoms and to reduce, loosen or thin lung secretions, including aerosol treatments, chest vibration treatments, or postural drainage. Oxygen may be used to help with breathing issues. Because breathing is difficult, Asbestosis victims experience a sharp decline in an active lifestyle. In some cases, where breathing becomes chronically labored, death may occur.
Pleural Effusion – This disease is also known as ‘water on the lung.’ This occurs when the thin lining covering of the lungs (the Pleura), fills with fluid which causes adhesion between the pleura and the lung. This causes the lung and chest cavity to stick together. This results in what doctors call ‘pleural thickening.’ When a patient breathes, the lungs cannot move freely in the chest, causing a shortness of breath and overall lost lung capacity. Oxygen is often provided to help the patient breath more freely.
Epithelia Mesothelioma – This cancer is a common form of Mesothelioma, where the cancer attacks the epithelia (or tissue membranes) that line the internal organs. Symptoms include weight loss, nausea, fluid build-up around the abdomen, swelling of the legs and feet, and anemia. It can attack the heart, liver, reproductive organs and other major organs. Sadly, there is no known medical treatment for Epithelia Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer – Cancerous tumors caused by Mesothelioma may spread to the lungs, especially in the lower regional lobes. With Mesothelioma, patients have a higher chance (seven times) of the cancer spreading to their lungs. Mesothelioma lung cancer has a number of symptoms, including chest pain, chronic coughing, increased difficulty breathing, hoarseness when speaking, wheezing when breathing, chronic fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Other related diseases – Asbestos exposure has been linked to severe asthmatic attacks and esophageal cancer.
If you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Asbestosis or other related diseases, call Craig Swapp & Associates right away and talk to an experienced Utah asbestos personal injury attorney.
Craig Swapp & Associates
Utah Asbestos Attorneys
Toll Free 1-800-404-9000
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