Mesothelioma – Lung Cancer, and Asbestos

Mesothelioma – Lung Cancer and Asbestosis are Common Diseases from Asbestos Exposure. Both fatal and non-fatal diseases result from asbestos inhalation. Every year, mesothelioma malignancies alone claim over three thousand victims, and even low levels of asbestos exposure can result in the contraction of this disease. Asbestosis is a progressive disease that can lead to disability or fatality. In many cases, decades can pass between one’s initial asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms indicative of an asbestos-related disease. If you or a family member have been exposed to any of the products listed above or have frequently worked on or around construction sites, be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the following diseases, as they are described in greater detail below:

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

About three-quarters of the time, mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the lungs, but it is occasionally found around the lining of the heart (pericardium) and/or stomach (peritoneum) as well. Sadly, the amount of mesothelioma diagnoses is on the upswing, as mesothelioma can take up to fifty years to materialize post-exposure, and many exposures that occurred in the middle of the last century are just now manifesting as malignancies. Wherever they may occur, aggressive mesothelioma tumors are quick to metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Due to Past Asbestos Exposure

Though mesothelioma is only contractible from asbestos exposure, a variety of different substances can contribute to the development of lung cancer. Even so, scientific studies show that smokers who have also inhaled asbestos dust and fibers have a ninety percent greater chance of contracting lung cancer than smokers who have no such exposure. Symptoms of lung cancer on average appear more quickly than those of mesothelioma, often presenting in between ten and thirty years after one’s initial asbestos exposure (still a significant span of time). Further complicating matters is the fact that there are sometimes no easily detectable symptoms among those who may already have lung cancer. When symptoms are present, they may include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, discomfort when breathing and/or swallowing, loss of appetite, and/or weight, coughing up of mucus and blood, hoarseness and chest pain.

Asbestosis a Respiratory Disease

Though non-malignant, asbestosis is somewhat like mesothelioma in that it only occurs as a result of working with or around asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Asbestosis is a respiratory disease in which the lungs are damaged, inflamed and scarred from the inhalation of harmful asbestos fibers and dust. This in turn can lead to a shortness of breath and even complete respiratory failure. Symptoms of asbestosis usually occur between five to ten years after one’s initial exposure to asbestos products. Unfortunately, over half of those who contract asbestosis to on to develop pleural plaques (a scarring of the lining of the lungs), and it is not uncommon for asbestosis sufferers to contract lung cancer or mesothelioma as well.

Mesothelioma Attorney Free Case Review

If you or someone you know is suffering from Mesothelioma lung cancer or symptoms of Mesothelioma – Asbestos exposure, please contact us immediately for a FREE evaluation by completing the form below. Or you can call us toll-free at The Stenger Law Firm, LLC (888) 665-0077 to speak with a Mesothelioma Attorney.