Atlanta Injury Lawyers BlogGeorgia Asbestos Claims Can Include Many Forms of Cancer and Asbestosis
Lung Cancer
After mesothelioma, the second most common type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure is lung cancer, which can be caused by asbestos fibers being inhaled and the lodging deep in the lungs. Asbestos can cause both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer accounts for the majority of cases and includes carcinomas such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma. The asbestos fibers are microscopic, which causes them to be inhaled deep into the lungs and the lungs are not able to release them. This foreign body (the asbestos fiber deep in the lung) then causes the lung to form tumors in order to protect the lung from the asbestos. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer are similar to mesothelioma and include most commonly breathing problems. Other signs and symptom of lung cancer are shortness of breath, a cough that will not go away, coughing up phlegm, mucous or even blood, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, chest pains, swelling in the neck, throat or face, severe weight loss, and unexplained fatigue. Most lung cancer patients are treated with surgery, coupled with chemotherapy, and radiation. A number of clinical trials have been formed in addition to these treatments on a case-by case basis and may offer hope in the form of cutting edge life saving therapy.
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer or another asbestos related condition, call (800) 613-1923 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Laryngeal Cancer
Asbestos exposure in the workplace has also been linked to many cases of laryngeal cancer as the larynx, or voice box, is damaged when asbestos fibers are inhaled and get caught in the larynx. The fibers accumulate there, causing chronic inflammation, disruption of airflow, and ultimately, laryngeal cancer. Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer, including include a sore throat that will not go away, hoarseness, a raspy voice, changes in the pitch and tone of your voice, unexplained and persistent cough, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and growths in the neck and throat areas which can be tumorous. As with the other more common asbestos-related cancers, most laryngeal cancers are treated with a complement of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In addition, there are now clinical trials which may be able to treat the cancer with cutting-edge technology that may not have even been in existence just a few years ago. If accepted into a clinical trial, a patient, who a few years ago had no chance of survival, could receive treatment that can either cure the cancer or substantially prolong their life.
If you have been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer or another asbestos related condition, call (800) 613-1923 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
In addition to cancer, asbestos exposure can cause many other diseases and breathing problems. Sign and symptoms of non-cancer asbestos related conditions most often center around breathing problems.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos fibers that stick in the alveoli, or small sacs in the lungs. This is probably the most common type of asbestos-related condition as many workers that have worked with or around asbestos-containing products have been diagnosed with asbestosis. Asbestosis restricts a workers’ ability to breath due to scarring of the lungs caused by the asbestos fibers. In addition to shortness of breath, a common sign or symptom of asbestosis is clubbing at the end of the fingers, which is especially prominent in more severe cases of asbestos (as indicated on the breathing evaluations). Unlike the other treatment options discussed above, there are not many treatment options for asbestosis other than pulmonary exercises or rehabilitation, and oxygen support.
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or another asbestos related condition, call (800) 613-1923 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Robert J. Fleming has been handling wrongful death cases, asbestos-related claims, and other personal injury claims for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of negligence for over 20 years. He practices in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area including handling lawsuits in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, Cobb and other counties and nearby cities such as Alpharetta, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, Decatur, Doraville, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, and Smyrna. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness or disease and would like to discuss your case in complete confidence, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online.
