Lung cancer begins in the lungs and spreads first to the lymphatic system. The cancer then spreads to the nearest lymph nodes, and then other lymph nodes throughout the body. However if not caught or contained, the cancer can spread further into organs throughout the body.
It is vitally important to catch lung cancer as early as possible to stop it from spreading. Know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer to detect the illness as early on as possible in its progression. Knowing where lung cancer usually spreads to first is just as important as knowing the signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
Possible Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Anybody can develop lung cancer. Do not dismiss possible signs of developing lung cancer simply because you have never or only rarely smoked. It is a misconception that non-smokers cannot get lung cancer, so be aware of the symptoms of the illness regardless of your smoking history.
The symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Persistent headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Bone pain
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- A persistent cough
See a doctor if you have experienced one or more of these symptoms, as they may indicate a sign of something serious. If you do receive a diagnosis of lung cancer and are a non-smoker, identify the possible causes of the illness, as somebody may be responsible for your lung cancer.
Non-Smokers Can Get Lung Cancer, and These Two Threats Are Often Responsible
Asbestos and radon gas are the two leading causes of lung cancer in those who have never or only rarely smoked in their life. Regretfully, detecting these two causes of lung cancer usually happens too late.
Asbestos Fibers Lead to the Scarring of the Lungs
Breathing asbestos fibers is extremely dangerous, as it leads to the scarring of the lungs that can convert cells into cancerous tumors. The primary conditions linked to breathing asbestos fibers are:
- Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer for which the only known cause is breathing asbestos
- Forms of lung cancer aside from mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
The reality is that asbestos is in many common building materials, even though the fibrous mineral causes lung cancer and other ailments. Some of the places where you may find asbestos in your home or workplace include:
- In insulation, which may be in walls, attics, around pipes, and around heat-emitting appliances such as furnaces and stoves
- In certain textured paints
- In certain roofing materials, including shingles
- In vinyl flooring
- In heat-resistant fabrics
Insulation is the most likely place where you will find asbestos since virtually every home and building requires it. As such, some groups are at an elevated risk of breathing asbestos fibers and developing lung cancer. These people include:
- Demolition crews
- Professionals who work near insulation, such as air conditioning installers and rodent removal specialists
- Construction workers
If you have never or only rarely smoked and received a diagnosis of lung cancer, you might want to consider asbestos as a possible cause.
You May Not Realize that You Have Breathed Radon Gas in Unsafe Quantities
Radon gas usually takes years to result in cancer depending on various factors such as saturation levels. Few realize they have inhaled carcinogenic levels of radon until it is too late to leave a radon-saturated environment.
Radon gas is also odorless and colorless, meaning that you are unlikely to realize the dangerous substance is in the air you breathe unless you have conducted radon testing. Those who are in charge of the places where you live, work, or otherwise spend your time must conduct this testing or open themselves to liability for your lung cancer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
A Lawyer Can Assist You in Pursuing Any Compensation
Lawyers exist to assist those in need. If you received a diagnosis of lung cancer, then you could probably use the assistance of somebody to handle your legal fight in pursuit of compensation. A lawyer can assist you by:
- Identifying the liable party in your case
- Filing legal action immediately to abide by any relevant statutes of limitation
- Finding any evidence that somebody exposed you to radon gas or asbestos
- Handling your legal pursuit of losses from start to finish
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
Possible awards in asbestos and radon exposure cases vary, but there are some commonalities.
Common Awards in Asbestos and Radon Exposure Cases
Each case is different, but you could receive compensation covering:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
A lawyer can handle the steps necessary to pursue such compensation, and your case could entitle you to additional awards not listed here.
Call a Lawyer Today
Our team at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm does not shy away from tough cases, and we work on a contingency basis, so we do not collect any money upfront. You only pay a fee if we secure compensation for you. Call us today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation regarding your case.
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