Pleural mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer are both caused by exposure to asbestos. However, the two conditions are actually different. While both are cancer, mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium, the lining of the lungs, while asbestos lung cancer occurs inside the actual lung. Both take decades to develop, take only months to metastasize or spread, and exhibit similar symptoms.
If your doctor diagnosed you with asbestos lung cancer, contact our asbestos lung cancer attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to determine if you can receive compensation for your injuries.
Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos lung cancer is a cancer of the actual lung, not the lining of the lung, which is mesothelioma. However, all lung cancers and many respiratory conditions present similar symptoms. It is always important to seek the advice of a medical professional to determine your exact diagnosis.
The symptoms of asbestos lung cancer are very similar to other cancers of the lungs, including pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of asbestos lung cancer (or any type of lung cancer) typically include the following:
- Persistent coughing
- Chest discomfort and pain
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the face or the neck
- Chronic respiratory infections
Unfortunately, these symptoms occur after the asbestos lung cancer reaches a later stage of development, typically stage 3 or stage 4. These stages of cancer are unfortunately more difficult to treat.
If you have any of these symptoms and have a history of being exposed to asbestos or asbestos-related products, you may have a strong case to file a claim to receive compensation. Contact the asbestos lung cancer attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to learn how you can take your next steps towards receiving possible compensation.
The Helsinki Criteria
If you developed any of the above symptoms and had any type of exposure to asbestos in the past, a doctor should attempt to make a definitive diagnosis that your cancer is in direct relation to asbestos based on the Helsinki Criteria established in 1997. These criteria assist doctors to determine when respiratory illnesses are a result of exposure to asbestos.
The Helsinki Criteria for diagnosis and attribution is two-fold. It first states that a person’s exposure to asbestos happened 10 years or more before the diagnosis of lung cancer, and second, evidence of asbestos must be present in the lung tissue. If a doctor is able to definitely diagnose you with asbestos lung cancer, you may be able to seek compensation for your condition.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Industries Related to Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos lung cancer typically occurs when certain people have jobs that are surrounded by exposure to asbestos. Some of the most at-risk professions for asbestos lung cancer include mining, construction, shipbuilding, heavy industry, and firefighting. Additionally, veterans are also considered a high-risk group for asbestos-related cancers due to the military’s heavy reliance on asbestos products.
There is an increased risk of asbestos lung cancer in those individuals who not only worked in those industries but also smoked. Asbestos-exposed smokers have impaired lung function and even less of an ability to remove asbestos fibers from the healthy lung tissue.
Contact an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawyer
Always get a yearly medical check-up if you have had any exposure to asbestos in your past.
These regular screenings can look for asbestos lung cancer as well as other asbestos-related diseases in order to identify any cancer in the earliest stages. Statistics show that more treatment options are available, and a better life expectancy is associated with finding asbestos lung cancer and other asbestos-related cancers early. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to determine if you can receive compensation for your asbestos lung cancer.
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