Workers whose jobs involved exposure to asbestos – including boilermakers, boiler workers, carpenters, factory workers, laborers, pipe coverers, and pipefitters – may be in danger of developing mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or other diseases associated with asbestos.
Workers who are concerned that they may have symptoms of an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to receive a free medical examination to diagnose the cause of their symptoms.
Continue reading to learn more about the possible symptoms of the most common type of mesothelioma cancer, a step-by-step guide to understanding how a mesothelioma diagnosis is performed, useful information for workers and family members who want to undergo an asbestos health test, and information about the possible legal options that are available for workers and their family members who receive an asbestos diagnosis.
What are some of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma – a type of cancer caused by asbestos in the lining of the lungs – is the most common type of this disease. Roughly 70% of the total number of mesothelioma cases involve pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms that are frequently observed in patients with pleural mesothelioma include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Problems swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
If you or a loved one worked in a job that involved exposure to asbestos and have experienced some or all of the above symptoms, it is understandable that you may be worried these symptoms could be caused by asbestos.
Fortunately, workers as well as their loved ones may be eligible to receive an asbestos medical examination at no cost in order to determine whether symptoms such as those listed above may be caused by mesothelioma cancer or other asbestos diseases.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma requires a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by a qualified physician. Below is a general outline of the diagnostic process:
1. Completing a Medical Questionnaire
To begin your exam, a doctor or health care professional will ask you to complete a questionnaire to provide information about your history of asbestos exposure and to answer questions about your medical history.
2. Reviewing Your Work History
Next, your doctor will help you to go over your work history in order to whether you may have been exposed to asbestos, possible asbestos-containing materials with which you may have worked, how often you were exposed to asbestos, and how long you may have been exposed.
3. Reviewing Your Medical History
After discussing your work history, your doctor will next talk with you about your medical history. This discussion will include a review of any respiratory symptoms or other symptoms you may be experiencing to determine whether your illness shows signs of being an asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma.
4. Asbestos Health Examination
After this review of your work and medical history is complete, your doctor will perform the asbestos medical examination. This exam probably will include a pulmonary function test to determine how well your lungs are working and listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to listen for abnormalities.
If your doctor finds evidence that could be a sign of mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, they may order a chest X-ray, a CT scan, tissue samples, or other additional testing in order to compile more information about your health status.
5. Discussing Your Results
After your exam is complete, your doctor will meet with you to discuss the results.
6. Exploring Treatment Options
If your doctor determines that you have developed mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, or other diseases caused by asbestos exposure, your doctor may also talk with you to explore treatment options to help control the symptoms of your disease.
What are my legal options if I am diagnosed with an asbestos disease?
The costs involved with treating asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are expensive. Fortunately, individuals who have been impacted by an asbestos health condition may qualify to receive compensation from several sources to help with their medical bills and other expenses.
Individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies where they worked.
Workers may also qualify to file a claim with one of the numerous asbestos bankruptcy trust funds that were established to compensate former employees who were diagnosed with asbestos health conditions.
The spouses of workers exposed to asbestos and their adult children may also be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit or receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Asbestos workers, their spouses, and their adult children who want to learn more about taking legal action in their asbestos claim can contact an attorney to learn more about their legal rights.
Get Your Free Asbestos Health Exam and Start Your Claim Today
If you or a loved one have been affected by an asbestos-related disease or believe that your symptoms may be a sign of a health condition caused by asbestos, you may wish to contact an experienced asbestos law firm for help with your situation.
An experienced asbestos attorney can help you to schedule a free asbestos health exam courtesy of their firm to help you determine the cause of your symptoms.
In the event your symptoms are due to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos diseases, your asbestos lawyer can help you to gather all the evidence you need to substantiate your claim, and assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit or a claim with an asbestos bankruptcy trust.
