When diagnosed with lung cancer, asbestos exposure could be to blame. This deadly mineral can trigger mesothelioma cancer and was widely considered a miracle substance because of its innate properties to endure harsh chemicals and also extreme heat. Stability and performance made it usable within multiple industries and many employed within these industries became victims of mesothelioma. Those infected were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Most commonly, workers that have been known to handle asbestos are power plant, shipyards, construction, electricians and insulation workers, and installers. Asbestos was used in walls surrounding electrical wires, inside household appliances, vinyl tiles, pipes and even some textile materials such as fabric and cloth. Employees and workers did not know asbestos would cause such hazards down the road.
Attacking lung cancer from asbestos exposure is an arduous process and the results normally only prolong the patient’s life by a couple of years. Many medical professionals suggest a combination of radiation, chemotherapy or surgical procedures, and removing the tumors completely to treat disease. These therapies are the best advantage a patient has to extend their time and quality of life. Many mesothelioma patients find out that they face a grim prognosis.
Most lung cancer and asbestos illnesses present symptoms that are difficult to detect. Many mimic flu and cold symptoms and the victim has no idea because the disease can take decades to progress. Some mesothelioma symptoms include:
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Persistent coughs
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Sore throats
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Trouble breathing
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Fatigue
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Unexplained weight loss
Organs excrete abnormal amounts of fluid when mesothelioma develops in the abdominal cavities. This can cause patients to suffer from swelling in the infected area. Complications such as this are why many patients die. This cancer attacks the healthy tissues surrounding vital organs in the body. When infections occur, it also affects how these organs perform.
Approximately 70 to 80 percent of patients diagnosed with this rare lung cancer have asbestos exposure in their background, normally from their workplace. It was not until the late 1970s that legislative reforms helped educate the public about how harmful asbestos truly is. The enforcement of safety regulations for the use of asbestos in business establishments was developed. Today, it is required that companies turn in reports verifying that asbestos inspections have been conducted. Daily fines are assessed if it is not removed immediately by individuals certified for asbestos removal work.
Settlement costs for lung cancer and asbestos victims have forced many of companies that exposed their workers to asbestos into bankruptcy. Any victim receiving a diagnosis with mesothelioma and wants to receive compensation for this exposure and subsequent cancer or asbestos-related illness should contact a mesothelioma attorney with quality experience to represent them. If nothing else, this compensation can provide the ability to pay for required medical expenses that will ultimately accumulate. It will, of course, help to cope with the emotional stress that will be endured during this very difficult time.