Other Asbestos-Related Diseases

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-induced cancer of the membrane surrounding and protecting the internal organs. Mesothelioma most commonly strikes the lining of the lungs, but can also affect that of the abdomen, heart or testicles. Severe symptoms of mesothelioma of the lung include shortness of breath, chest pain and cough. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our firm to speak with an experienced asbestos attorney about your legal rights.

For Mesothelioma Claims Contact a Lawyer at James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C.

Mesothelioma, an almost always fatal cancer appearing in the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart, is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos. At the law offices of James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C., attorneys represent mesothelioma victims and their surviving family members. Call or e-mail James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C., to schedule a free initial consultation with no further obligation. From offices in Charleston, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., we serve clients across the country, associating with other attorneys in states where we are not licensed.

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In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers increases the risk of two other major diseases: asbestosis and lung cancer. Asbestos also heightens the risk of stomach, gallbladder, larynx and kidney cancer. Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, often manifesting after retirement from an industrial career that involved asbestos exposure. Governmental regulation of asbestos has tightened significantly since the 1970s, so asbestos exposure has been greatly reduced.

If you or a loved one has an asbestos-related disease, an experienced asbestos lawyer at James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. in Charleston, WV, can outline your options for lawsuits and other legal remedies.

Asbestosis

If you have a history of asbestos exposure, you may be at risk for asbestosis, a noncancerous respiratory disease caused when microscopic shards of threadlike asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs and become lodged. The body excretes acid in response to the foreign object, causing scarring or fibrosis that stiffens the lung tissue, restricting its ability to expand and contract with breathing.

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, weakness, respiratory infection, coughing up blood, hoarseness, swelling of fingers and other extremities, nail abnormalities, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, crackly breathing, and chest pain and tightness. Complications can include heart problems like congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and fluid buildup.

To diagnose asbestosis, doctors may perform pulmonary function tests, blood tests, CT scans and/or x-rays. The disease is not reversible, but its progression can be slowed and symptoms treated. Treatments include medication, oxygen, breathing therapy, chest percussion and fluid draining. Exercise can increase lung capacity and a humidifier can ease symptoms. Effort should be made to prevent infections and colds. In rare cases, patients undergo lung transplants.

Asbestosis Statistics

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Division of Respiratory Disease Studies issued a report on asbestosis in the US:

Highest rates of asbestosis deaths were in Washington, Maine, West Virginia, Mississippi, Delaware and New Jersey
Most victims were white males with a median age of 74
Most common victims' occupations were plumbers, pipe fitters, steamfitters and insulation workers
Most common victims' industries were construction, shipbuilding and repair, industrial and miscellaneous chemicals, and railroads

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths, differs from mesothelioma. Lung cancer causes the growth of abnormal, cancerous cells into a tumor in the lung itself, not in organ lining. Like mesothelioma, lung cancer can metastasize to other body organs.

By far, smoking is the highest risk factor for lung cancer. However, chronic exposure to certain industrial chemicals, including asbestos, also heightens the risk of developing lung cancer. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure can be deadly. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure or an asbestosis diagnosis should not smoke tobacco.

The main symptom of lung cancer is coughing. Other symptoms include:

Chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Appetite loss
Bloody phlegm
Weight loss
Hoarseness
Bronchitis or pneumonia
Wheezing

Common diagnostic tests include x-rays, CT scans, phlegm analysis, biopsies and various intubation tests. A variety of tests are used to determine the lung cancer stage, which influences treatment choices. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, medications, radiation, photodynamic therapy (medication combined with light therapy) and fluid removal.

Seek Help

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer and have a history of asbestos exposure, contact James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. in Charleston, WV, to speak with a skilled asbestos attorney about your legal rights.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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