Types of Asbestos Related Illness
Five specific illnesses have been directly linked to asbestos exposure mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques:Mesothelioma Cancer
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma cancer are linked with asbestos exposure. It is a rare form of cancer of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and occurs in the mesothelial cells covering the outer surface of most of our internal organs. Mesothelium is a lining which gives the disease its name, the disease most commonly occurs in the tissues covering the lungs.
Almost all malignant mesothelioma cancer diagnoses are considered to be as a result of asbestos exposure. Non asbestos related mesothelioma diagnoses are rare. Approximately 80% of people diagnosed with the disease have reported being in contact with the material during their life. People were freely exposed to it before the material was banned and the more someone was exposed, the more at risk they are but some patients cannot recall any prolonged exposure.
Asbestos is an insulating material which is heat and fire resistant and was used widely in all industries from the 1940s until the 1990s. Those most at risk of contamination are people who have worked in the construction industry or near the exposed material at any time but even after construction the risk is still present. Mesothelioma cancer is the most insidious of the asbestos-related diseases in that it can affect people who have experienced low or intermittent levels of asbestos exposure.
Characteristically there is a latent period of between first exposure to the suffering of symptoms connected to mesothelioma cancer of between 10 and 45 years, which causes the disease to go undiagnosed for many years often until it is too late. Asbestos was banned in the 90's so cases are expected to peak at around 2020 after which there should be a decline.
There are very few early warning signs for Mesothelioma cancer and they do resemble the symptoms of lesser illnesses but if you experience problems breathing- usually breathlessness because of an accompanying pleural effusion, chest wall pain, weight loss, bowel issues and heavy sweating it is worth consulting a doctor just to be safe.
A diagnosis is usually confirmed by way of pleural biopsy. The interpretation of pleural biopsy material is often difficult. Relatively firm diagnosis can be made by chest x-ray and/or CT if the radiological features of the pleural tumour are accompanied by other evidence of asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques.
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you do experience any of the symptoms it would be wise to seek medical advice. If you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer you may have a right to claim compensation. It can be very easy to claim using the right legal representation and many have been successful even if it is difficult to prove your exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos Lung Cancer is the most common type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. It is found in people who have sustained prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Most asbestos lung cancer begins in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. Although less common, asbestos lung cancer can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs). Lung cancer usually develops slowly, once it occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer, asbestos related or otherwise, develops the tissue that surrounds the lung, often obstructing and invading air passages.
The two most common types of asbestos lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which accounts for around 80% of lung cancers, in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which accounts for 20% of lung cancers, in which the cancer cells are larger. Although NSCLC cancer cells are small, they can multiply quickly to form larger tumors that can spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs.
The length of time between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of asbestos lung cancer is usually 20 to 30 years and in some cases longer.
Often patients with early–stage asbestos lung cancer do not have symptoms. Some early symptoms, which are present in only about 15% of lung cancer cases, are a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and bloody or rust–colour spit or phlegm. However, these symptoms could also indicate other diseases so it is always important to ensure your GP does a thorough examination and diagnosis.
The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples.
Studies show a significant increase in lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos. This increase is particularly significant among asbestos–exposed workers who smoke.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, chronic, non-cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can cause lung impairment and heart disease. The symptoms of asbestosis are: shortness of breath, coughing and a dry crackling sound while inhaling. In advanced stages, asbestosis may cause cardiac failure. Asbestosis is a slow progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years or more and can lead to serious respiratory problems.
Pleural Thickening
Pleural thickening is a non-cancerous scarring of the lining of the lung. Pleural thickening, if widespread, impairs lung function, restricting breathing capacity.
We have successfully handled compensation claims on behalf of clients with all of the above diseases. Please contact us today to see if we are able to do the same for you.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural plaques are small localised areas of fibrosis found within the pleura of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. It has been argued by medical experts that they do not cause significant symptoms (if any) and do not impair lung function. They are seen as merely evidence that someone has been exposed to asbestos in the past.
For this reason, defendant insurers have successfully argued through the courts that claims for pleural plaques should not attract an award of compensation. This decision has been upheld and therefore despite pleural plaques being a condition for which compensation could be claimed for over 20 years, this is no longer the case.
We have successfully handled compensation claims on behalf of clients with all of the above diseases, particularly asbestos lung cancer & mesothelioma cancer. Please contact us today to see if we are able to do the same for you.
