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Virginia Workers At-risk For Asbestos Illnesses Should Obtain Periodic Medical Screenings
Asbestosis is a scarring of the lower lobes of the lungs, caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Virginia workers who were employed in high-risk industries, such as shipbuilding, mining and automotive repair, should be particularly wary of developing asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases. At-risk workers in Virginia who have a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors for asbestosis screenings. During the visit, the physician will take a lung x-ray, which will be read by a certified radiologist. This diagnostic tool can determine whether the individual has any lung scarring associated with asbestos exposure. Although asbestosis is not cancerous, it can progress to the point where the patient must depend on inhalers. Patients who have been diagnosed with asbestosis should be monitored with regular lung function tests and x-rays to track the progression of the disease. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure should be screened for lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart. To check for cancers of the lungs, the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s breathing. For instance, a doctor may hear a dull sound when tapping on the chest of a patient with fluid buildup in the lungs. When screening for lung-related cancers, the physicians may also check the patient’s legs for swelling and fingers for clubbing. These symptoms may indicate that there is a problem with the lungs. After performing a physical examination, the doctor may order a chest x-ray to check for tissue thickening, suspicious masses or fluid. A chest x-ray of a patient with lung cancer may show abnormal fluid or masses, while an x-ray of a mesothelioma patient would display pleural thickening. Should the x-ray show any abnormalities, the patient would be sent to a specialist for further evaluation. Although an x-ray indicate lung cancer and mesothelioma, a diagnosis of these asbestos-related diseases can only be made through a tissue biopsy. When speaking with their physician, at-risk Virginia workers should be honest about their past to ensure the proper screening and diagnostic tests are utilized. The doctor will most likely ask about the patient’s history of asbestos exposure and previous employment. He or she may also inquire about the work history of the patient’s family members, as asbestos fibers could have been carried home on the skin, clothes and hair of those exposed to the mineral. Finally, the physician may ask whether the patient is experiencing any symptoms associated with asbestos-related diseases, such as coughing or shortness of breath. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used due to its heat resistance and insulating properties. Individuals working with the mineral on a daily basis are particularly at-risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses, although symptoms of these diseases may not appear for 10 to 40 years. Because of the latency period of asbestos-related diseases, individuals who worked in the armed forces, Virginia shipyards, steel mills, oil refineries, power plants or railroads should schedule an asbestos screening with their doctors. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com A mesothelioma law firm in Newport News, VA, Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein has been representing mesothelioma victims and their families for over 30 years. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease, contact a mesothelioma lawyer at PWHD for a free legal consultation. |
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