People who worked in shipyards, steel plants, power plants, large industrial sites, refineries, or in the construction/building trades are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases. Even if your job did not involve the obvious use of asbestos, exposure can often be found after a thorough investigation. The diagnosis of an asbestos disease like mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis can occur anywhere from 15 to 60 or more years after the initial asbestos exposure.
Additionally, the family of exposed workers can experience exposure from asbestos fibers transferred home on the workers’ clothing, hair and skin, putting them at risk for developing mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
If you previously worked, and were exposed to asbestos, at any job site located in Maryland or Virginia, even if you do not currently live in Maryland or Virginia, our lawyers and attorneys may still be able to pursue your claim for asbestos diseases.
Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin lining that covers the lung (pleura) or the stomach (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is an aggressive and potentially deadly form of cancer. Symptoms can include the following:
- Chest pain under the rib cage
- Painful coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
Mesothelioma is a diagnosis that can only be made pathologically, that is, tissue from the chest or abdomen (usually from a surgery or a biopsy) is examined under a microscope using special staining techniques.
Other Mesothelioma Facts
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually made 15-60, or more, years after first exposure. This unique feature is known as a latency period.
Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women, but both men and women can develop the disease. The risk increases with age.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lung. The lungs are two spongy organs in the chest that take in oxygen when a person inhales and release carbon dioxide when a person exhales. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among both men and women, and exposure to asbestos is the second-leading cause of all lung cancers. Some lung cancer symptoms include:
- A new cough that doesn't go away
- Changes in a chronic cough
- Coughing up blood, even a small amount
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Losing weight without trying
- Bone pain
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged accumulation of these fibers in the lungs can cause scarring of lung tissue and shortness of breath. Some asbestosis symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, initially only with exertion, but eventually even while resting
- Decreased tolerance for physical activity
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Finger deformity (clubbing) in advanced cases
Secondary Exposure
Family members, especially wives who washed the work clothes worn by her asbestos-exposed husband, have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Also at risk are the children of the exposed worker, who had contact with the contaminated work clothes of the father.
If you or a loved one have suffered from Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer or Asbestosis…We can help.