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Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
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Leading Asbestos Attorneys in Florida
Asbestos exposure can cause serious complications. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning that it causes cancer. Often, symptoms of asbestos exposure don’t manifest themselves until years later. The risk for an asbestos-related disease or cancer is largely dependent on the amount of asbestos the individual was exposed to, as well as for how long they were exposed to it. While federal regulations for asbestos are in place today, it was largely unregulated up until the 1980s. Thousands of individuals, especially industrial workers, were exposed to unsafe amounts of asbestos before that time.
Since 1985, The Ferraro Law Firm has become a leading law firm in handling asbestos-related cases. Our Florida asbestos lawyers have represented over 20,000 clients across the nation in mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease claims.
Don’t wait to get counsel. To begin a free consultation with our firm, call (888) 554-2030.
Pleural Plaque
One of the most common indications of significant exposure to asbestos is the presence of pleural plaque. Pleural plaque refers to a condition in which the lining of the lungs (pleura) develop a fibrous thickening in certain areas. There are no symptoms for this condition and the plaques are not cancerous, nor can they become cancerous over time. In very rare cases, the calcified pleural plaques can cause a patient to have breathing problems.
Pleural plaques are usually discovered by X-ray or CT scan. In most cases, pleural plaques don’t show up until decades after the person has been significantly exposed to asbestos. Treatment is usually unnecessary because pleural plaques are non-cancerous.
Pleural Effusion
A pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural (lung) cavity. This condition can make breathing difficult. Generally, effusions will resolve themselves after a period of three to four months, but can reoccur.
While some patients experience little to no symptoms, others experience:
- Shortness of Breath
- Fever
- Hiccups
- Rapid Breaths
- Dry Cough
- Sharp Chest Pain
If pleural effusions are not treated, the fluid may become infected or even cause a collapsed lung. Pleural effusions are a common byproduct of asbestos-related illnesses. The effusion can be caused by cancer or a noncancerous condition.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a presently un-curable disease in which asbestos fibers are lodged in lung tissue and result in scarring of the lungs. While asbestosis is not mesothelioma or lung cancer, the condition generally worsens over time, requiring further treatment.
Symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Chest Pain
- Facial Swelling
- Loss of Appetite
- Coughing
- Blood in Lung Mucus
- Trouble Swallowing
- Weight Loss
Asbestosis can lead to further complications such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other lung diseases. In some cases, asbestosis symptoms manifest themselves as early as 7 years or as late as 20 years or more. Treatment includes oxygen therapy, pain medication, and removal of secretions from lungs.
Lung Cancer
A rare form of lung cancer, asbestos lung cancer, accounts for approximately four percent of all U.S. fatalities from lung cancer.
Symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer can include:
- Breathing Problems
- Chest Pain
- Lung Infections
- Fatigue
- Worsening Cough
- Unexplained Weight Loss
Often, an asbestos fiber that becomes lodged in a lung has the capacity to develop into lung cancer. It may take years for the fibers to cause tumors to form. In addition, the person’s lifestyle and amount of exposure to asbestos will determine whether lung cancer will form. On average, asbestos lung cancer will take between fifteen and thirty-five years to become lung cancer.
Other Cancers
There are numerous other cancers in the digestive and intestinal tract that can be caused by asbestos.
These include the following gastrointestinal cancers:
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
According to statistics, this type of cancer results in over 100,000 deaths on a yearly basis. There are also more than 250,000 new cases of gastrointestinal cancer each year.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mesothelioma & Asbestos
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Skilled Florida Asbestos Lawyers Here to Stand for You
If you or a loved one is experiencing an asbestos-related disease as a result of exposure to asbestos, don’t hesitate to call our experienced Florida asbestos attorneys. The Ferraro Law Firm is recognized as one of the top five mesothelioma and asbestos law firms in the nation and can capably handle your case.
We provide the individualized attention your case deserves. Call (888) 554-2030 or fill out a free case evaluation online today.