A lung PET scan may be among the tools used to diagnose lung cancer, according to Cedars-Sinai. A doctor will likely conduct a low-dose computed tomography scan (CT scan) before a PET scan, however, as well as biopsies of the lung tissue and blood work. Together, these diagnostic tools can determine whether or not you have lung cancer.
Before getting to the stage where a doctor may diagnose you with lung cancer by using a PET scan, you will likely first recognize symptoms of lung cancer. It is critical that you know the symptoms so that, if you have lung cancer, you can catch and treat it as early on in its progression as possible.
Recognizing the Signs of Lung Cancer
Too often signs of lung cancer are ignored. Forty percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer, whether by using a PET scan or other method, are only diagnosed after the cancer reaches an advanced state. When this happens the illness is much more difficult to cure, according to a study in the Journal of Thoracic Disease about inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer.
Do not ignore the symptoms of lung cancer. According to Mayo Clinic, these include:
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Bone pain
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- A persistent cough
- Persistent headaches
A doctor can help you determine if these symptoms are cancerous.
Lung Cancer Does Not Only Occur in Non-Smokers
If you receive a diagnosis of lung cancer, then there are several possibilities for the cause of your cancer, especially if you do not smoke. The American Cancer Society reports that the leading cause of lung cancer risks for non-smokers is exposure to radon gas. Another cause of lung cancer is asbestos. The specific ailments that breathing asbestos fibers can cause include:
- Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer for which the only known cause is breathing asbestos
- Forms of lung cancer aside from mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
There are many potential causes for lung cancer, and we are prepared to help you determine which party or parties may be liable for your cancer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Asbestos May Exist in Your Home
Despite the risk of cancer, damaging substances like asbestos are still utilized today all over the world. Because asbestos is effective in minimizing fire damage, it continues to be used in building materials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some places where you may find asbestos in your home include:
- In heat-resistant fabrics
- In certain textured paints
- In certain roofing materials including shingles
- In insulation, which may be in walls, attics, around pipes, and around heat-emitting appliances such as furnaces and stoves
- In vinyl flooring
The prevalence of asbestos in building materials, and insulation specifically, puts certain professional groups at a heightened risk of developing cancer. Some of these groups include:
- A demolition crew member
- A construction worker
- Someone who regularly works near insulation
If you have developed cancer as a non-smoker, and especially if you are in one of these groups of high-risk people, then asbestos fibers may be the cause of your illness.
Radon Gas Is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
The American Cancer Society reports that radon gas kills about 20,000 people each year. Radon arises when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, or water, and when this gas builds up indoors it is often toxic to those who occupy the radon-inundated space. If radon is the cause of your cancer, then somebody responsible for a building where you lived, worked, or spent a substantial amount of time may be responsible for your exposure and resulting cancer.
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A Lawyer Can Oversee Your Pursuit of Compensation
A lawyer can help you in several ways, including by:
- Identifying the potential defendants in your case
- Starting the legal process as soon as possible
- Speaking with your doctors to strengthen your case and valuate your losses
- Handling all the legal responsibilities necessary to bring your case to a conclusion
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
We may be able to help you in other ways as well.
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Potential Compensation for Your Losses
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the severity of your losses due to your lung cancer, you could be entitled to collect an array of financial awards to cover:
- Medical costs associated with your lung cancer
- Your inability to work at all, or in the capacity that you once did
- Pain and suffering inflicted
- Punitive damages against the defendant in your case
Let a lawyer handle the legal aspects of pursuing compensation while you focus on fighting your illness.
Call the Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm
We do not shy away from tough cases, and we want to help you pursue any compensation that you are eligible to receive. Call our team today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation.
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